Box Score (PDF) 

SPRINGFIELD – Javier Martin Gil's equalizing goal in the 52nd minute knotted up the score and led Missouri State to a 1-1 tie against visiting Drake in Friday's battle of the two top clubs in the Missouri Valley Conference. 

The Senior Night draw locks the No. 16-ranked Bears (9-1-4, 5-0-2 MVC) in as the No. 1 seed -- and a first-round bye -- for next week's MVC Tournament and also clinches MSU a share of the MVC regular-season title for the fourth-straight year. It also marks the program's 11th MVC regular-season title. 

"The team is super proud to host the Missouri Valley tournament as the No. 1 seed and we're looking forward to playing in front of our fans again in two weeks," said head coach Michael Seabolt.  

In the first half, the box score hinted at one result, while the scoreboard read another. Missouri State outshot the Bulldogs 11-3 in the opening 45 minutes. However, it was Drake that struck first, opening the scoring off a goal from AJ Franklin in the 32nd minute. MSU had no shortage of opportunities, though, forcing Bulldogs' goalkeeper by Burke to make four saves in each half, two of which were courtesy of tough shots by Kian Yari and Jesus Barea. 

Out of the locker room, it didn't take long for the Bears to respond. Off an assist by Jack Denton, Martin Gil equalized the match less than seven minutes into the second half. From there, the Bears continued to pressure the Bulldogs. After drawing a penalty shot in the 67th minute, Pascal Corvino's shot was turned back in dramatic fashion, and the score remained tied for the game's duration. 

"It is pretty special for the guys to represent MSU by clinching at least a share of their fourth consecutive Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship" continued Seabolt. "We will rest up and prepare to finish the regular season strong on Wednesday. We have so much to play for." 

With the tie on Friday, Missouri State has now earned a result in 17-straight Valley matches dating back to April 8, 2021. 

Prior to the start of the MVC Tournament, the Bears will conclude the regular season at SIUE on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The only team that can match the Bears in the standings is Evansville, which has two games remaining, including Saturday's contest at UIC. Due to its head-to-head win over Evansville, the Bears would win a tie-breaker with the Aces for the No. 1 seed. MSU would also secure an outright MVC regular-season title with a win or tie at SIUE, or any loss or tie by Evansville in its last two regular-season matches. 

MVC Tournament pairings will be finalized next Wednesday when the league concludes its regular season. The Bears will host both semifinals on Nov. 10 and the championship game on Nov. 13 at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium. The league's other six teams will play opening-round matches at campus sites on Nov. 6. 

#BearsUnite