Sept. 11, 2014

GameTracker | Watch Live | Follow @MSUBearsWSoccer

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Missouri State women's soccer team (2-2-1) looks to defend their new turf at the Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. when Central Arkansas (3-2-1) comes to Springfield. MSU and UCA met for the first time last season, a 2-0 victory by Missouri State.

"It took some getting used to the pace of the new surface," said head coach Rob Brewer, "but our players have adjusted well. We have to be a little more sophisticated in the way we play. UCA is much better than they were last season, so we will have a battle on our hands this Friday."

Missouri State's historically staunch defense has held true this season, especially at Allison South. In two regular season matches and two exhibition matches, the Bears have not allowed a single goal against at home. On the season, junior goalkeeper Jessica Perry has a 1.20 goals against average, second in the MVC, and leads the league in save percentage.

The Bears' defenders haven't just stayed back this year either. Starters Kelsey Fouch, Lauren Fussell and Brooke Zimmerman have combined for nine points this season. Zimmerman has tallied both game-winning goals at Allison South.

MSU's offense has been clicking early in the season. Sunday's 3-0 win over Arkansas State marked the fourth-consecutive multi-goal match for the Bears, just the fourth time in program history with such a stretch.

Junior Molly Brewer leads the team and all Valley players with nine points. She is tied with senior Molly Huber with a team-high three goals.

All youth ages 12 and under that wear their soccer jersey to the match will be admitted free. The Bears will then make a trip to Fayetteville on Sunday night to play Arkansas, breaking up a stretch of five out of six matches at home. The match against the Razorbacks at 7:00 p.m. can be seen on the SEC Network+/ESPN3. The Bears return home for three-straight matches beginning on September 19.

#MSUBears