Sept. 24, 2011

Box Score

The Missouri State men's soccer team (1-4-2) had a valiant offensive effort and earned a 1-1 draw at Saint Louis (2-4-1) on Saturday night. The Bears outshot the Billikens 14-9 in the match and are now undefeated in the last three matches (1-0-2).

Missouri State took the early lead in the 12th minute of play with team work by a trio of seniors. Gerard Barbero tallied his first goal of the year on a shot that beat the SLU keeper to his left. The goal was assisted by Heath Melugin and Jordan Hoffman.

Saint Louis would tie the match in the second half as they were awarded a free kick on the MSU half of the field. Raymond Lee tapped in the game-tying goal in the 67th minute after MSU goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg was unable to control the free kick. The score remained 1-1 as the teams headed to overtime.

The Bears nearly came away with the victory in the 108th minute. Missouri State earned a free kick just outside the top of the box. Dan Williams' strike beat the keeper cleanly, but hit squarely on the post and ricocheted back into the field of play.

Jordan Hoffman racked up five of MSU's 14 shots. Melugin and Jarred Clark each added two shots.

MSU had a splendid defensive game, allowing just two SLU shots on goal. Spangenberg was not tested until the final minutes of overtime when he recorded his lone save of the match.

Missouri State will return to Plaster Field for a non-conference showdown with Oral Roberts on Tuesday night. The Bears and Golden Eagles will kick off at 7:00 p.m.