SPRINGFIELD – A characteristically strong defensive performance helped the Missouri State men's soccer team (16-1-0, 11-0-0 MVC) to a 1-0 win over Bradley to advance to its third-straight Missouri Valley Conference Championship match here Friday night.
"It was a great win to get to the Valley final. I'm proud of the guys for getting another shutout, which is awesome," said head coach designate Michael Seabolt. "The NCAA needs to take a look at this team and give them the recognition they deserve."
The Bears came out dominant, controlling the ball and pressing on the offensive front from the first whistle. MSU's efforts came to fruition in the 32nd minute of the semifinal match. Senior Connor Langan sent a long ball toward the Evansville box, where Aadne Bruseth gave it a single kick. One touch was all he needed, though, as Josh Dolling effortlessly headed the left-footed assist into the back of the net to give MSU the 1-0 lead. It was Dolling's fourth goal of the season, as well as his fourth game-winner of the year and 17th of his career.
On the opposite side of the field, MSU's seasoned backline held strong, suffocating Bradley's offensive efforts. The Braves went into the locker room at the half without a shot to their name.
In the second half, it was more of the same as MSU controlled the narrative for the final 45 minutes. The Braves got off one shot in the final period, but ultimately MSU held the advantage in shots (14-1) and shots on goal with five, while holding Bradley (5-12-1), to none on the night. The shutout was the Bears' ninth of the season, and goalkeeper Michael Creek's seventh of the year.
"We didn't want to sit back and invite pressure, we wanted to stay on that front foot," said Creek after the match. "There's a lot of hard work that's gone into it, but we're just focused on the next game."
The win not only advances the Bears to their third-straight conference championship game, but also their fifth appearance in the finals over the last six years. Missouri State looks to join Creighton, SMU and Central Arkansas as the only programs to win back-to-back Valley tournament titles.
The tournament continues Sunday, as the Bears will play in the finals against fourth-seeded Evansville, who defeated Loyola courtesy of penalty kicks earlier in the day. The championship game will kick off on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. at Allison South Stadium.
