Missouri State men’s soccer team improved to 2-0 Tuesday with a 3-0 victory over the University of North Florida at Plaster Field.

The visiting Ospreys controlled the tempo of the contest through much of the early going, with Bears senior goal keeper Lance Parker making three of his seven saves early. To make matters worse, Missouri State senior midfielder Omar Shoucair was given a red card penalty with 18:39 remaining in the opening stanza, forcing the Bears to play a man down the remainder of the game.

From that point however, the Bears responded emphatically. Missouri State seized control of the game’s tempo and went on the attack to stay undefeated.

Missouri State junior forward Henry Lawrence III ignited the Bears offense with a goal on a free kick in the game’s 39th minute. His 18-yard shot from the left wing curled its way into the upper-left corner of goal and energized the Bears.

Missouri State’s inspired play continued in the second half. Sophomore midfielder Kyle Windmueller netted his second goal of the season just five minutes into the period on a blast from 15 yards out. Senior defenseman Andy Cooper’s pass to freshman teammate Brian Collins streaking across the middle of the Osprey zone resulted in the final Missouri State goal six minutes later. Collins’ initial shot was blocked, but he booted the rebound into the back of the net.

Missouri State will wrap-up its four-game homestand by hosting the Comfort Inn/Diadora Tournament Friday and Saturday at Plaster Field. Drake will face Western Illinois Friday at 5 p.m. followed by the Bears’ 7 p.m. contest against Central Arkansas. Saturday’s matchups will pit Drake against Central Arkansas at 5 p.m., followed by the Bears hosting Western Illinois at 7 p.m.