Box Score (PDF) 

NASHVILLE – After ninety minutes of a defensive back-and-forth battle, the Missouri State men's soccer team drew Belmont 0-0 here Sunday afternoon.  

From the opening minutes it was clear that neither the Bears nor the Bruins would concede a goal easily and both teams' strong backlines would define MSU's sixth Missouri Valley Conference game of the season.  

Seven minutes in, the Bears got their first offensive opportunity as Jesus Barea fired off the game's first attempt for MSU. The Belmont goalkeeper Nate Logan sniffed out the play as the ball left Barea's foot, though, making his first of a what would be seven saves on the day.  

As the opening 45-minute period progressed MSU (9-1-3, 5-0-1) and Belmont (5-3-6, 2-2-3) continued to trade misses and saves. The Bears managed seven shots through the first half, putting six of them on goal, but could not get one past the Bruin keeper.  

Coming out of the half, it was more of the same, as both teams combined for five shots through the final forty-five minutes. Ultimately, MSU outshot Belmont 10-6 while nine different Bears got looks. Jon Koka led the Bears' attempts with two shots on the day, putting one on goal.  

On the other end of the field, Harry Townsend did his part, helping ensure the Bears' ninth shutout of the season while recording four saves. The junior goalkeeper is now two shutouts shy of matching the club record of 11, which most recently matched in 2017.  

"I'm proud of the boys for grinding out a result on the road. We played well for long stretches," said head coach Michael Seabolt. "We wanted three points but made 100 percent sure we got a result with a well-earned shutout. Full respect to Belmont having not lost at home in a couple years."

MSU returns home on Friday, Oct. 18, to host Drake on Senior Night. The match between the two top teams in the MVC will begin at 6 p.m. on MSU's Homecoming weekend. Admission is free this season at all home matches at Allison South Stadium. 

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