SPRINGFIELD – The undefeated Missouri State men's soccer team (4-0-2) opens up Missouri Valley Conference play as it gets set to take on Valparaiso, at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium Saturday Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.
 

Missouri State vs Valpo
Dates	Saturday, Sept. 22
Location	Springfield, Mo.
Site	Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium
Saturday, Sept. 22	Missouri State vs Valpo
Follow Along	Live Stats
Missouri State	Men's Soccer Home Page | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Know the Bears

• The Bears have started the 2018 season on an offensive high note. Recording 14 goals in the first six matches, just one goal short of the 2017 season total.
• Missouri State ranks 11^th in the nation in scoring offence with 2.33 goals per game. The Bears also lead the MVC in points (39), goals (14) and assists (11).
• The Bears are undefeated through six matches, marking the best start for the program since 2012, where they went undefeated in eight straight.
• MSU has not dropped a conference opener since 2013 and is 14-10-3 all time in the first MVC match of the season.
• Josh Dolling netted MVC Offensive Player of the week honors, announced by the league Tuesday afternoon. The sophomore unleased an historic week for the squad, recording all three Bears goals against Santa Clara, finishing off the first hat trick game for a MSU men's soccer athlete since Sept. 9, 2005.
• Dolling paces the conference points (15), goals (7), and game winning goals (3). Dolling also ranks in the top-10 nationally in game winning goals (5th), goals per game (7th), penalty kicks (1st), points per game (6th), shots on goal per game (7th), total goals (6th) and total points (9th).
• The Bears defense stays strong, allowing only six goals off of 55 shot attempts, a .109 shot percentage. The squad ranks third in the MVC in goals against average (1.00).
• Missouri State sits fifth in the United Soccer Coaches West region.
• Missouri State will celebrate its 700th program match against Valpo on Saturday at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium.

The Opponents
Valpo Crusaders

• For the second consecutive season, Valpo starts MVC play against the defending league champion. Valpo hasn't dropped a conference opener since 2010.
• Valpo was picked fifth in the MVC preseason coaches' poll.
• The Crusaders lead the conference in goals-against-average (.83)

Series History
Valpo Crusaders
The Bears command a 7-0-1 all-time series lead over the Crusaders. The two team renewed the series last season, with the Bears taking both matches, outscoring Valpo 3-0.

Final Details
Saturday's match against Valpo is slated for a 7 p.m. start at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium with live stats available. Kids wearing a soccer jersey will receive free admission, MSU's bystander awareness organization 'Green Dot' will be at the game, while MoState Movement will be featured in the halftime activities. For all of the latest information and in game updates on the Missouri State men's soccer team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MSUBearsMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram.