EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Spearheaded by a strong defensive performance, the Missouri State men's soccer team (5-1) started Missouri Valley Conference play here Sunday night with a 1-0 win over SIU Edwardsville.
The Bears controlled the match from the start, registering their first shot on goal just two minutes into the game off a free kick from midfielder Kian Yari. While the shot soared just over the crossbar, MSU got another chance soon after. In the 14th minute, Jack Denton lined up for a free kick of his own, and this time, it found the low, left side of the net to give the Bears the 1-0 lead.
MSU held the narrow advantage into halftime, limiting SIUE to a single shot opportunity in the first 45 minutes of the match.
"Road wins and road points are massive in any league season," head coach designate Michael Seabolt said. "The guys did a great job."
The following period was a defensive battle by both sides. The Cougars came out aggressively, firing off four more shots in the remaining minutes of regulation. MSU added four of its own, ultimately holding the match advantage in shots, 12-5. Five of those shots were on goal, while the Bears kept the Cougars from getting any shots on goal.
Veteran leaders Kyle Hiebert and Michael Creek, along with newcomer Lewis Green led the defensive efforts for MSU during the opening night of conference play, playing the entire 90 minutes of the match.
"The entire team did a great job defending tonight. Kyle [Hiebert] and Lewis [Green] were massive, and so was Michael Creek," said Seabolt. "Great job to keep SIUE off the board. Shutouts win championships."
The conference victory marks the team's ninth-straight opening night win in MVC play, dating back to 2012. The win also marks Missouri State's first road victory in the all-time series against SIUE (1-4-2).
"SIUE is a tough team and they're going to have great results, but we're excited to come back to Springfield and get ready for our next match against Evansville," said Seabolt.
MSU returns home this week for a two-game stretch beginning on Saturday, Sept. 25 vs. Evansville at 6 p.m. CT, before hosting Drake on Sept. 29. All home matches at Allison South Stadium this season are free admission for all fans.
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