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SPRINGFIELD – Strong defensive play and an early goal by Kate Schroeder lifted Missouri State to a 1-0 victory over Arkansas State, Thursday at Allison South Stadium, in the women's soccer home opener for the Bears.
 
Missouri State (1-2) netted the game's only goal in the seventh minute of play when Grace O'Keefe lofted a pass over the Arkansas State back line to pull keeper Megan McClure out. Schroeder then won a foot race to the ball and netted the open shot.
 
"After four games on the road, including our two exhibitions it was great to get home," head coach Rob Brewer stated. "I am really happy with how our team performed today. Arkansas State is a quality team. We had our moments early. Unfortunately, we did not finish all of all our chances. but I will take it. It was a team effort with a lot of defensive play, which was our game plan."
 
With her goal, Schroeder became the first Bear to score in consecutive matches since Kennady Orlick on Oct. 16 and 19, 2019. O'Keefe has tallied a goal or an assist in all three matches this season for the Bears.
 
After the early score, the MSU defense held the Red Wolves at bay, permitting just one shot on goal the entire first period. The 1-0 halftime lead marked the third time in three matches Brewer's Bears held the lead at the midway point.
 
It was a defensive standoff in the second half as scoring opportunities were at a premium for both sides. There were just three shots on goal and six total shots with the Bears pushing four attempts toward the Red Wolves' net in the final 45 minutes.
 
Katherine Montgomery picked up the clean sheet while making two saves in her first start of the season for MSU. The Bears defense limited Arkansas State (1-1-1) to two shots on goal and just six shots overall.
 
Missouri State held the overall advantage in shots 11-6, and shots on goal, 7-2. Schroeder and Kara Privitera led the offensive attack for Missouri State as each totaled three shots.
   
With the win, Missouri State improved to 15-11 all-time in home openers.
 
The Bears resume play Sunday at Tulsa for a 2 p.m. kickoff against the Golden Hurricane on ESPN+.