Sept. 21, 2015

MVC Release

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Missouri State freshman Jake Buckle was crowned Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday (Sept. 21). Buckle receives this honor for the first time for MSU this season.

Buckle was able to score twice this weekend as MSU captured its second win of the season after taking down No. 18 Loyola Marymount 2-1 at the TLC Plumbing & Utility Invitational hosted by the Univ. of New Mexico in Albuquerque on Sunday.

The first goal came in the 22nd minute as teammate Harry Lewis was able to find team captain Brandon Barbero who was able to connect with Buckle across the box at the mouth of the goal. Buckle's game-winning goal came from an open shot at the goal from 20 yards out, sending the ball past the goalie at the top right corner of the net in the 48th minute of the game.

Buckle tallied six shots, two shots on goal that converted into goals, and 117 minutes this weekend and was named to the All-Tournament Team. Buckle is the most active freshman this season for the Bears offensively, taking 15 shots with five on the goal and tallying two goals for MSU.

The Bears (2-2-2) will begin conference play this Saturday (Sept. 26) at 7:30 p.m. at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium in Springfield. They are set to host MVC preseason favorite SIU Edwardsville (3-2-1). Admission is free for fans and the first 300 fans through the gate will receive MSU rally towels.

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