Missouri State University
Loyola
Soccer Bears Pick Up Second Consecutive Shutout
October 10, 2015 | Men's Soccer
Box Score | Season Stats | Schedule
SPRINGFIELD - The Missouri State men's soccer team (4-4-3, 1-1-1 MVC) played to a 0-0 scoreless draw against conference opponent Loyola (5-3-3, 1-1-1 MVC) here Saturday night. After tonight's result, the Bears and Ramblers are tied for third in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Defensively, both teams played tough, parking the bus at the mouth of the goal to prevent one another from scoring. Loyola's goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski recorded four saves on the night while MSU goalkeeper Liam Priestley tallied two. The most remarkable save by Priestley came in the 99th minute, as LUC had a chance to score in front of the net. Jumping on the ball, Priestley was able to save the game and send it to double overtime.
After tonight's shutout, the Bears have recorded six shutouts on the season and are tied for the most in the MVC with SIU Edwardsville and LUC. Coming into the match, the Bears were tied for 21st nationally in shutout percentage (0.50) and 50th for goals against average (0.94). MSU has been consistently in the top-50 in both categories since the second week of the season.
Seven Bears took shots in tonight's match, accounting for ten overall with four shots on goal. Senior James Thomas led the way for the Bears firing three different times throughout the match. Jake Buckle followed Thomas by taking two shots of his own. Buckle leads the Bears this season in shots taken with 22.
The Bears will head to Peoria, Ill. next Saturday (Oct. 17) to continue conference play against Bradley. Bradley (2-0) is currently in second in the MVC standings just behind Drake (3-0). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Shea Stadium and will be available for fans to watch on ESPN3.
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