COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Dons fell into an early hole on the road against a top tier opponent and couldn't dig themselves out in a 4-1 loss at Missouri on Friday evening. The Tigers took a lead with goals by Allie Hess in the 14th minute and Savannah Trujillo in the 28th and never let USF (2-3) back into it.
 
"We didn't get off to a good start," said head coach Jim Millinder. "They were just a more athletic team than us. That was definitely the best team we've faced this year and we were outplayed in every facet. But I'm still proud of the effort from our girls; they really played hard for 90 minutes."
 
Maddy Glaser was able to get the Dons on the board just out of halftime as she was offered an assist from Amanda Whittle in the 47th minute. The goal was Glaser's first of the season and her first score since 2014, her freshman year.
 
Missouri (4-1) controlled the offensive momentum in the first half, outshooting USF 12-3.
 
The Tigers added to their lead when Sarah Luebbert connected in the 51st minute, followed by Rachel Hignett's penalty kick goal in the 78th minute that put Mizzou up by its final 4-1 tally.
 
Despite the lopsided score, the second half turned out to be more evenly matched as both teams fired off six shots apiece.
 
USF held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks on the night.
 
USF keeper Makayla Presgrave recorded four saves in the loss.
 
"They were an NCAA Tournament-type team," added Millinder, whose squad was facing Missouri for the first time in program history. "We were taught a lesson, but hopefully we can learn from tonight and bounce back on Sunday."
 
UP NEXT: The Dons continue their swing through SEC country with a Sunday matchup at Vanderbilt. Kickoff is slated for 10 a.m. (PDT) from Nashville. The game will be streamed live on Watch ESPN.