SPRINGFIELD – Hailey Chambliss scored her third goal in two games, Katherine Montgomery had six saves with no goals allowed, and Missouri State women's soccer (7-4-2) took down Valparaiso in a match of conference unbeatens at home here Sunday afternoon, 1-0.
Picked as the preseason favorite to win the Missouri Valley Conference, Valparaiso entered the match with an unblemished MVC record (now 3-1-0). The Bears, also having not suffered a conference defeat headed into today's match, were the only other Valley team to have not entered the loss column.
"We have to be able to perform in high-pressure games like this if we're going to be able to get ourselves into the tournament and hopefully make a deep run," head coach Kirk Nelson said. "That's the idea."
From the opening kickoff, the Bears didn't seem phased by the first-place Beacons. All throughout the first half, MoState limited the Beacons' opportunities, holding them to zero shots until the 45th minute when Valparaiso got two off abruptly to end the half. MSU wasn't short on chances on the offensive side, spending most of their time on the attack and registering three corners, but the Bears couldn't capitalize.
"I think the last couple of conference games have given us a lot of confidence," Nelson said.
When the second half began, MoState kept its foot on the gas. In the 52nd minute, Chambliss scored off a rebound from Grace O'Keefe's shot, and the Bears took a 1-0 lead over the Beacons. The goal was Chambliss' third of the season and third in two games. After not finding the back of the net until Sept. 29 versus Southern Illinois, Chambliss already co-leads the Bears in goals with fellow freshman Joey Fosnow.
"At the beginning of the season, I struggled finding the back of the net," Chambliss said. "We've been working additional trainings, and it's working out."
After the MSU score, the Beacons looked inspired, and played with a sense of urgency throughout the remainder of the match. Valparaiso earned three corner kicks in the second half and outshot the Bears, 4-3. However, all four of the Beacons' shots were turned away by Montgomery, and MoState hung on to top Valparaiso, 1-0, and claim sole possession of first place in the MVC.
"My back line stepped up big time, tracking runners in the box," Montgomery said. "Our communication was wonderful. That's something we've really been working on."
The match marked the Bears' third straight shutout, with two different goalkeepers earning wins in the process. Missouri State has now doubled (four) last year's conference win total (two).
MSU returns to action at home Thursday at 6 p.m. at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium against MVC newcomer Murray State. Admission is free for all Missouri State home matches this season.
#BearsUnite
