Missouri State lost a 2-1 decision to Evansville at Plaster Field to fall to 5-10-3 overall and 0-2-2 in Missouri Valley Conference action.

Evansville scored the game’s first goal just 2:40 into the contest as Dustin Awe arched a 35-yard shot high into the air and over the outstretched arms of MSU senior goalkeeper Lance Parker. The Bears tied the game in the 39th minute when sophomore midfielder Johannes Demarzi scored from 15-yards out. Sophomores Kyle Windmueller (midfielder) and Will Ziegahn (midfielder/forward) assisted.

The Purple Aces scored the game winner via an MSU own goal in the 78th minute when Parker and senior defender Andy Cooper miscommunicated on a ball played deep into the Bears’ zone.

Demarzi finished with three shots on goal to pace MSU offensively. Parker made eight saves defensively.

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 its final home match, Saturday, when the Bears host Drake on Senior Night.