Aug. 24, 2014
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SPRINGFIELD - The Missouri State men's soccer team completed a perfect preseason after defeating Missouri Valley College, 1-0, on Sunday night. The Bears, who defeated Missouri S&T on Wednesday, will play again on Friday, Aug. 29, in the official home opener against Incarnate Word.
"I think we took a step from that last game with Missouri S&T," said head coach Jon Leamy. "A little bit more polished, not as many turnovers, still a couple things that we absolutely need to work on, but it was a good thing to get a shutout, find the back of the net, and now we are going to move into that season opener.
Typical to the Missouri State style of play from past years, the Bears relied on strong defense throughout the match, allowing only one shot on goal over the course of the 90 minutes. Both Addison Watson and Liam Priestley looked comfortable in net after each playing a half.
Following a scoreless first, the Bears came out of the new locker rooms on the offensive. In the 53rd minute of play, junior Brandon Barbero whipped a cross into the box. His pass connected with the open head of senior Ryan Navarre and redirected into the back of the net.
The 1-0 lead was all the Bears needed, and relied on possession and tough nosed defense for the remainder of the game to earn the victory.
Prior to the match, Missouri State President Cliff Smart, Director of Athletics Kyle Moats, and several other athletic department representatives were present for the official dedication of the Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium.
"First and foremost, it was just such a neat night tonight seeing the dedication, and having some of the Brass and Sass Band, the Sugar Bears, the cheerleaders, track team, and women's soccer team," said Leamy. "It was just a great night. I think tonight was more about the stadium than anything else."
The Bears open the season officially on Friday with a game at Allison South against The Incarnate Word. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
