Missouri State scored three first half goals en route to a 5-2 win over UMKC at Plaster Field. The victory improves MSU to 5-9-3 overall and the five goals is the Bears’ highest scoring output since a 5-1 win over Evansville in 2005.

Sophomore midfielder Kyle Windmueller’s header from close-in in the seventh minute gave the Bears an early 1-0 advantage. Senior midfielder Yanik Joseph and junior defender Kenny Boutsabouabane assisted. Freshman midfielder Tyson Striebel drilled a shot from 10-yards out in the game’s 20th minute for the Bears’ second goal.

UMKC’s lone first half goal was scored at the 28:06 mark. However, MSU answered in the game’s 42nd minute when sophomore defender Ryan Hennessey scored on a header following a crossing pass from junior midfielder Justin Alford.

MSU senior goalkeeper Lance Parker recorded three saves in the contest and also registered a second half assist. His outlet kick to Windmueller enabled the Bears to get behind the UMKC defense and set-up sophomore midfielder Johannes Demarzi’s break-away goal in the 53rd minute.

Senior defender Andy Cooper blasted a shot from 15-yards out to score the Bears’ fifth goal in the 65th minute. UMKC added a late goal in the 90th minute to cap the scoring.

Demarzi finished with three shots on goal, with Joseph, Striebel and Windmueler all with two, to trigger the Bears’ offense.

The six-team field for the 2007 State Farm MVC Tournament is taking shape, with Bradley, Creighton, Drake, Eastern Illinois and Evansville already clinching spots. Missouri State can earn the final spot with a win in either of its two final home conference matches. The Bears will host Evansville, Saturday, and Drake (November 10) on Senior Night.