SPRINGFIELD – Jesus Barea's golden goal in the second overtime capped a thrilling 2-1 win over Missouri Valley Conference rival Loyola and improved Missouri State to 9-1 overall and 5-0 in MVC play.
 
Barea's goal came in the 106^th minute of play when he took a pass from Simon Pedersen and deposited a right-footed shot past the outstretched arms of Loyola keeper Marcel Kampman. Pandemonium ensued as Barea and the entire MSU squad rushed towards Head Coach Designate Michael Seabolt for an emotional dogpile.
 
The Bears lost one of their biggest fans today in Avis Dale Reeves Sutton, the mother of Seabolt. The Missouri State men's soccer program will miss her dearly.
 
"It was incredible having my first goal of the season come like that," Barea reflected. "We really fought for this win the entire game and we are pleased to come out with three points for the MVC standings tonight."
 
The win avenged the Bears' lone regular-season loss from last season and gave MSU some breathing room atop the conference race.
 
Jon Koka gave Missouri State the early 1-0 lead with an unassisted goal in the 11^th minute, coming off a deflection caused by a long pass that created a scramble in the box. The goal was Koka's fifth, which is tied for the conference lead.
 
Missouri State dominated the field position battle in the first half while keeping the Ramblers in check to take a 1-0 lead into the locker room.
 
The second half was a back-and-forth battle with both teams putting multiple shots on goal and both goalkeepers making impressive saves. Loyola knotted things up in the 84^th minute when Billy Hency scored a goal, with the assist coming from Fabian Becerra.
 
The Bears threatened to win it with 11 seconds remaining in regulation when Koka booted a shot towards the top of the goal put the Rambler's Kampan was able to punch it out.
 
Missouri State keeper Michael Creek made some big saves down the stretch of the contest. Creek finished his day with five saves and one goal allowed in his 106 minutes of play.

Overall, MSU edged out Loyola in shots (14-13), shots on goal (8-6) and corner kicks (5-3).
 
The Bears welcome Kansas City for an in-state showdown on Tuesday. The match will start at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on either ESPN+ or ESPN3. Admission is free to all games at Allison South Stadium this season.