SPRINGFIELD – An early goal from Jordan Eickelman secured the Missouri State women's soccer team a spot in the 2017 MVC Championship match as the Bears defeated the Loyola Ramblers, 1-0, Friday evening at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium.
 
"This win is huge for us," head coach Rob Brewer said. "We had a crisis moment during the season when we went to Loyola and had five goals scored on us. We came out really well in the first half tonight and Jordan did an excellent job scoring the game-winning goal. Our defense did a great job keeping Loyola at bay as well. We will enjoy this win tonight and then get ready for our next match against UNI."
 
With the 1-0 win, the Bears earned sweet revenge after dropping a 5-0 decision at Loyola earlier this season. Missouri State improves to 9-9-1 on the season and will take on UNI in the championship match – marking the Bears' first return to the finals since it hosted the championship in 2011.
 
Missouri State jumped on the board in the fourth minute of the match after pushing the ball up the length of the field. Senior Rachel Catrell laced a cross pass over to Eickleman, a freshman, who then scorched a shot past Loyola goalkeeper Maddie Ford to put the Bears up 1-0.
 
"It's only my third goal this season, but every time I score it feels like a new experience," Eickelman said. "Scoring opens up and expands my confidence. I'm so excited for this team and the chance to play in the championship match."
 
That was the only goal the Bears would need as the Bears held Loyola, who ranks second in the nation in goals, scoreless for the remainder of the match.
 
Posting her fourth shutout of the season, starting goalkeeper Lexi Palacio (4-3-1) brought in six saves on the night. The Bears' defensive line, led by Brooke Zimmerman and Brittney Robinson, played a key part of the match as well, tallying multiple takeaways to limit Loyola's shots on goal to just six.
 
The Bears have recorded four shutouts in their last five matches and ride a two-match win streak heading into Sunday's contest against UNI.
 
Scoring Summary

• 4:52 – MSU, Jordan Eickelman (3) – received cross inside the box, shot to the right side of the goal; assisted by Rachel Catrell.

 
Coming Up Next
The Bears fight for the MVC Championship title will begin at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium. The match will be streamed on ESPN3 and live stats, as well as live updates, will be available. For all the latest information on the Missouri State women's soccer team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MSUBearsWSoccer on Twitter.