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SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State men's soccer team (3-2-1) recorded its third shutout of the season after topping UMKC (1-5), 1-0, at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium on Tuesday (Sept. 20).
 
"It was a great team win for us tonight," commented head coach Jon Leamy. "We were able to play a lot of guys which has been a strength for us. The crowd was very energetic and that has helped push us at home this season."
 
The ball was bounced around between the two teams to start the match. The first shot of the match came from MSU's Tyler Swanner at the 13-minute mark, forcing UMKC's goalkeeper, Filippo Errico, to make his first of three saves.
 
In the next four minutes, two freshmen would take shots in an attempt to put the Bears on the board early. Stuart Wilkin had his back turned to the goal and whipped around to take the blind shot, hitting the right post. Two and a half minutes later, Wilkin fired his second shot of the match but it was blocked by a UMKC defender. In the 17^th minute of the match, teammate Jordy Robins had an open look at the top of the 18-yard box but missed the opening of the goal by less than five feet, sending the ball right over the top of the crossbar.
 
Three more shots would be taken by the Bears before one found the back of the net. Missouri State's Ian Jones came into the game and brought a lot of energy, charging at UMKC's defense to draw a foul and set up a free kick for the Bears at the 30-yard line. In the 44^th minute of the match, senior Phil Woods took the free kick as Rob Oslica jumped up over the top of everyone to head in his first goal of the season and second goal of his career.
 
The Roos were able to gain some momentum in the second half, holding the Bears to just four shots and taking four of their own. Three of UMKC's four shots were blocked while the fourth shot was a header saved by MSU goalkeeper, Liam Priestley.
 
"If we can keep defending well as a team, and making sure that our opponents don't have really great looks, we are doing our jobs," said Leamy. "It is always nice to record a shutout and especially on your home field."
 
The Bears will finish their homestand and open Missouri Valley Conference play on Saturday (Sept. 24) when the Bradley Braves travel to Allison South Stadium. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. and will be the third MSU men's soccer match featured on The Valley On ESPN3 this season.