The Missouri State men's soccer team (7-6-2, 4-1-1) will wrap up the regular season with a 7:00 p.m. match against SIU Edwardsville (9-5-2, 4-1-1) at Plaster Field on Saturday night. The game is being called the "Living Our Legacy" game presented by Verizon Wireless and will help raise money for the Ozarks Honor Flight. A win would assure the Bears of a No. 2-seed and a bye into the semifinals.
It is the first match-up between the squads and conference opponents. SIU Edwardsville joined the Missouri Valley Conference at the beginning of this season. Missouri State is seeking its first-ever win over the Cougars.
Senior goalkeeper Alex Riggs enters the match leading the MVC in goals against average (0.75), save percentage (.850) and shutouts (7). His 12-match unbeaten streak in regular season conference play came to an end on Wednesday and he looks to begin a new streak on Saturday.
Junior Heath Melugin leads the Bears with six goals. Fellow junior Gerard Barbero has five goals and both he and Melugin are tied for the team lead with 13 points.
The evening's events will begin with the Army ROTC fun zone opening at 5:00 p.m. The fun zone will feature a rock-climbing wall, football and basketball interactives and the opportunity to check out a military humvee.
The gates to Plaster Field will open at 6:00 p.m. The first 400 fans inside the stadium will receive a free t-shirt. Other pregame festivities include Bears senior player recognition, a swearing-in ceremony by the Army ROTC Bear Battalion, game ball presentations and, weather-permitting, skydivers will deliver the game ball to midfield.
At halftime, former Bears soccer players in the military will be celebrated. There will also be a tribute to the Ozarks Honor Flight and their dedication to the WWII veterans across the Ozarks. A postgame autograph session for kids will wrap up the evening's festivities.
Admission to Saturday's match is $5 for adults with $1 going directly to the Ozarks Honor Flight. Missouri State student, faculty and staff, active and former military with ID and anyone under the age of 18 will be admitted free. Additional donations to the Ozarks Honor Flight will be collected at the event.
