MVC Release
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Missouri State junior defender Ben Stroud led the Bears defense to two shutouts last week and earned Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the week honors, the league announced Tuesday afternoon.

The Christchurch, New Zealand native and the MSU backline held up a pair of 1-0 shutout on the week, first coming against Western Illinois (10/2) and then Bradley (10/6). Stroud is a staple in the Bears middle back line, where he held opponents to a combined nine shots in two matches.

Stroud was a key to the Bears success defensively, winning key headers and directing the crushing protection for the squad. He also added an assist and two shot attempts on the week.

The Bears defense leads the MVC in goals-against-average (.70) and ranks 11th in the country.

The undefeated Bears broke into the United Soccer Coaches top 25 poll Tuesday afternoon and will put that on the line this week on the road. Taking on Tulsa Tuesday night at 7 p.m. before heading to Loyola on Saturday Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

For all of the latest information on the Missouri State men's soccer team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MSUBearsMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.