Sophomore defender Joe Welch scored the game-winning goal in the eighth minute of overtime, as the Missouri State men's soccer team defeated Stony Brook University, 2-1, in the first game of the Evansville ProRehab Aces Soccer Classic Friday in Evansville, Ind. Sophomore Justin Alford scored a first half goal and senior Kyle Hopson recorded two assists as the Bears improve to 5-1-1 on the season.
After a scoreless first half, Alford gave the Bears a 1-0 lead in the 75th minute as Hopson passed wide to junior Yanik Joseph, who then sent a cross to Alford at the back post for the goal. Stony Brook answered in the 86th minute to force the match into overtime. Welch's goal was preceded by an outstanding, one-handed diving save by goalkeeper Lance Parker to keep the Bears alive. The Bears' Ryan Anderson then gave the Bears a corner kick opportunity and Welch capitalized, finding the net on a deflection off a Stony Brook player. The goal was the first of Welch's career at Missouri State.
The Bears outshot Stony Brook, 14-11, including a 5-4 edge in shots on goal. Parker improved to 4-0-1 with the win in goal for the Bears, and had three saves, including the crucial rejection in overtime.
The Bears will take on the University of North Florida on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 11:30 a.m. in the tournament's third match.
