Sept. 20, 2015 Final Stats
Box Score | Schedule
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Missouri State men's soccer team (2-2-2) found answers against No. 18 Loyola Marymount (5-3) today (Sept. 20) as the Bears took down the Lions 2-1 in the final day of the N.M. Tournament here. Freshman Jake Buckle was able to score twice for MSU, as the Bears captured their second win of the season.
The first goal came early for the Bears, as Buckle was able to score MSU's second goal of the season in the 22nd minute of the game. Harry Lewis was able to connect with Buckle from six yards out, and Buckle was able to slide it past the goalie. The Lions were able to answer quickly, as Alvaro Madrigal took a shot from about 25 yards out, finding the top right corner of the net.
The Bears came out of halftime ready to win. In the 48th minute of the match, Buckle saw another scoring opportunity as he fired a shot 20 yards out placing the ball in the back of the net.
Buckle led the way for the Bears taking five shots, the most any Bear has taken this season in a match, with both of his shots on the goal registering goals for MSU. Six more Bears took shots in the match, four of them coming from freshmen, including Buckle. MSU out-shot LMU 13-12, and Bears goalkeeper Liam Priestley captured three saves.
Head coach Jon Leamy is pleased with the improvements the team has made and the experience they were able to gain before heading into conference play.
"Today's win was good for the guys to experience, especially against a nationally ranked team," said Leamy. "The guys were able to react to the goal by LMU and our coaching staff could not be more proud of the outcome."
Senior captain Brandon Barbero joins Buckle on the 2015 N.M. Tournament All-Tournament Team. The Bears finished the tournament 1-1 after falling 1-0 to No. 17 New Mexico on Friday night.
The Bears return home and begin conference play on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. when they face MVC preseason favorite SIU Edwardsville. Admission is free for all fans. The first 300 fans will receive MSU rally towels.
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