NU’s Jessica Mills’ assertive tactics pay off against Texas A&M

The Cornhusker soccer team prides itself on its aggressive play.

So much so, even Nebraska's goalie is getting in on the action.

Jessica Mills, a junior from Houston, is known for playing very high up the field. Her risky tactics were crucial in limiting Texas A&M's chances during Nebraska's 2-1 upset of the No. 14 Texas A&M last Sunday.

The Aggies dominated possession and shooting opportunities in the first half, but Mills continually sprinted upfield to keep TAMU without a shot on goal.

An Aggie forward even drew a card for a reckless charge after colliding with Mills on a clearing pass.

"The high starting position allows me to get to through balls and penetrating play," Mills said. "It allows me a chance to use my speed as an advantage."

NU assistant coach Wally Crittenden said the team is comfortable with Mills' aggressive play in the back, even if it can be a little nerve-racking for him to watch on the sidelines at times.

"That's a strategy that she does very well, and we're very confident in her playing up there," he said.

The Huskers earned an early 1-0 lead over the Aggies when freshman Morgan Marlborough powered a loose ball from senior Anna Caniglia's corner kick down and in the net off the crossbar in the 21st minute. Marlborough nearly cashed in again from a free kick just a few minutes later, but NU went into halftime with a one-goal lead.

Texas A&M tied the game with a penalty kick in the 69th minute. Senior Carly Peetz was called for a hand ball in the box and received a yellow card for arguing the call.

Mills guessed the right direction but was only able to get her fingertips on the ball as it scooted in to tie the game at 1-1.

Marlborough and Caniglia connected again in the 83rd minute for the game-winning score. Caniglia intercepted an Aggie pass and poked it to Marlborough as she was taken down. Marlborough capitalized on the situation and scored her nation-leading 22nd goal of the season to clinch the win.

"It was a great win, a great result," Crittenden said. "The reason it was a great result is because it's one of the first times we've seen execution to the level we can play."

Mills saw the upset victory as a crucial recovery for the team after the Husker lost 2-1 to Texas on Friday.

"That win was big," she said. "It made our season because we're 3-2-2 (in Big 12 play). It was definitely a redemption game against Friday."

Against the Longhorns, the Huskers spent the majority of the game on their defensive half. Although senior Julie Berkshire scored her first goal of the season to tie the game, Texas capitalized on a rebound with just six minutes remaining to clinch the win. Mills was unable to corral a UT shot, and the shooter scored on the loose ball.

Mills has helped lead the Huskers to a 4-2-1 overall record, including a shutout while filling in for injured junior Tara Macdonald. Mills, a starter for her entire freshman season and part of her sophomore year, has succeeded in conference play despite what she calls a "roller coaster" experience in the program.

"It's been hard, but I keep competing every day," she said. "I've just got to keep persevering through the trials."

johnschreier@dailynebraskan.com