The Missouri State men's soccer team fell 1-0 to independent Alabama A&M University in the first match of the Holiday Inn City Centre Classic hosted by Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., Friday night. The Bulldogs’ Mfana Futhi Bhembe scored the match’s only goal in the 16th minute to lead Alabama A&M to the victory. Missouri State falls to 5-2-2 with the loss, while the Bulldogs improve to 3-7 on the season.

Alabama A&M took the lead when Bhembe caught MSU goalkeeper Lance Parker out of position and guided a shot to the left post with no one back for the Bears. The Bulldogs held the 1-0 advantage heading into halftime, despite Missouri State outshooting the Bulldogs 10-7, with a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal in the period.

For the match, the Bears outshot Alabama A&M 15-13, including an 8-6 advantage in shots on goal. Parker denied five A&M shots in the match, as he took his first loss of the season, falling to 4-1-2. Bulldog goalkeeper Paul Musoke picked up eight saves to improve to 2-4 on the season.

Sophomore Justin Alford and juniors Ryan Anderson and Danny May each fired two shots on goal for the Bears. Freshman Eric Wimberley and junior Michael Bennett also each recorded a shot on goal. Anderson led the Bears with five shots on the night.

The Bears will face Robert Morris University on Saturday at 5 p.m. in the third match of the tournament. Live stats of the match can be viewed at www.bubraves.com.