Final Stats | Season Stats
DES MOINES, Iowa – A strong defensive performance led the way for the ninth-ranked Missouri State men's soccer team (13-1-0, 8-0-0 Missouri Valley Conference) here Wednesday afternoon, as the Bears put together a 2-0 victory over Drake to extend their winning streak to 11 games.
"It was a great team effort," said head coach designate Michael Seabolt. "Guys keep improving as the season goes and are keeping their focus to make sure every match matters."
Both teams' defenses put together impressive performances to start the game, with the Bears only getting off three shots in the first half while the Bulldogs took two of their own. In the 37th minute, Drake slipped up, scoring an own goal to give MSU the 1-0 heading into the break.
Early in the second half, the Bears found their offensive footing, pushing the Bulldogs to their limits. MSU added 15 shots in the final 45 minutes while thwarting Drake's attack on the opposite side of the field.
In the 88th minute, Jesus Barea's sixth shot of the day came to fruition, as the sophomore netted a ball off passes from Josh Dolling and Nicolo Mulatero to earn his third goal of the season. The score pushed MSU's lead to 2-0 as time continued to wind down.
Missouri State ended the day with the advantage in shots, 18-9.
Goalkeeper Michael Creek led the Bears' defensive efforts in the box, recording three saves in the victory. The shutout was the senior's fifth clean sheet of the season.
The win not only kept the Bears undefeated in the MVC this season, but it was also MSU's 25th conference victory in its last 26 matches, dating back to 2019. Missouri State also leads the nation in overall winning percentage with a 44-4-1 (.908) record in the same time span.
After a two-game road trip, Missouri State returns home this weekend to play its last regular season match at Allison South Stadium.
"We're excited to come back to Springfield and play in front of our fans and students," added Seabolt. "We hope everyone will come out and support as we play for our 10th overall MVC regular-season title and third in three years."
The Bears host Bradley on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. Admission is free to fans this season at all home soccer matches at Allison South Stadium.
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