Though Drake University (8-4-1, 3-1-0) broke out an early lead, the resilient Bears (8-3-2, 3-1-1) fought on and earned a 2-1 victory over the 19th-ranked Bulldogs. The victory is the third consecutive for the Bears and the second time this season Missouri State has toppled a nationally ranked team.
Drake started the scoring early in the first half with a diving kick from Thomas Ostrander at the 11:16 mark. The Bulldogs were dominant in the first half, taking eight shots and five corners. Missouri State senior keeper Alex Riggs stepped up after the goal, recording three saves of his own in the first half.
After halftime, the Bears fired back at the Bulldogs, tying the game on a rocket of a shot from team captain Johannes Demarzi at 57:57. Though the first half belonged to Drake, Missouri State owned the second half, rattling off eight shots and three corners of their own. One of the corners taken by Demarzi led senior Ryan Hennessey perfectly to the goal for the eventual game-winning header at 80:15.
Demarzi's assist was his eighth of the year, which ties him for most in the MVC. Hennessey's goal is his third of the season, which ties him with Heath Melugin and Paul Paradise for the team lead.
Missouri State will travel to Evansville, Ind. on Oct. 21 for their next contest against University of Evansville. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Following that matchup, the Bears return home for a three-game home-stand that opens up with Bradley University on Oct. 24 at 3 p.m.
