Sept. 11, 2015 Final Stats
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SPRINGFIELD - The Missouri State (1-1-2) men's soccer team won its first game of the season, 1-0, against Saint Mary's (2-3) in overtime Friday (Sept. 11) night.
The Bears were more aggressive offensively in the game, out-shooting the Gaels 12-2. Six players had shot opportunities, with seven of 12 shots being on the goal. The Bears spent a majority of the match on SMC's half, attacking the net as much as they could. The defenses forced the match into overtime. In the 99th minute, SMC fouled James Routledge, forcing a penalty kick. Routledge snuck the ball right past the Gael's goalkeeper, Andrew Konstantino, down the middle of the goal. The goal by Routledge was the first for the Bears this season and the first of his career.
"This win gives us the motivation to keep pushing on," said James Routledge. "We have been close in the last couple of games. We have always believed in ourselves, but this is the icing on the cake. It shows that our hard work is paying off."
MSU's Liam Priestly played 99 minutes in the goal, and with help of his defense, was able to capture his third straight shutout on the season. The Bears were ranked third in the nation last season for shutouts with 11 in 18 games.
"Tonight's win puts us on a three-game shutout streak," said head coach Jon Leamy. "We spent a lot of time attacking and patience was the main difference tonight. We are playing better soccer every week."
The Bears will travel to their first tournament of the season in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Sept. 18, where they will face the University of New Mexico at 8 p.m. CT. On Sept. 20, they will conclude the New Mexico Tournament at 1 p.m. when they face Loyola Marymount University.
Conference play will begin for the Bears at home on Saturday, Sept. 26 when they face MVC preseason favorite SIU Edwardsville at 7:30 p.m.
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