Oct. 7, 2011

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Missouri State men's soccer team (2-5-2) will get its first taste of Missouri Valley Conference action as the Central Arkansas Bears (1-5-2) make their way to Plaster Field on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Missouri State has had Central Arkansas' number in the five meetings, as the MSU Bears lead the series 3-1-1. In last year's matchup, Missouri State's Gerard Barbero knocked in a free kick in the 110th minute to steal a 1-0 victory in both team's league opener. In 21 years of playing in the MVC, the MSU Bears are 9-8-3 in conference openers. They have compiled a 7-7-6 record when kicking off the MVC season at Plaster Field.

Entering the Central Arkansas match, six different Bears have recorded a goal, while four are tied for the team lead in goals. Senior Jordan Hoffman, sophomore Jared Gain and freshmen James Fawke and Pedro Cardenas all have logged two scores apiece.

Although preseason All-MVC selection Heath Melugin has yet to put one in the back of the net this year, the 2010 leader in points and goals for MSU has a team-leading three assists in the first nine games.

Following the match on Saturday, Missouri State will play host to No. 5 Creighton, its first nationally-ranked opponent this season, on Wednesday, October 12 at 7 p.m. The rivalry game will mark the 32nd meeting between the two schools.