CHICAGO – The Missouri State women's soccer team shut out UIC, 3-0, here Sunday to remain unbeaten in Missouri Valley Conference play.
The Bears (8-1-4, 3-0-2, MVC) opened up scoring in the 28th minute on a goal from Kaeli Benedict. With an assist from Julia Kristensen, Benedict leapt into the air to make contact with the ball and put it into the top of the goal. The junior midfielder has three goals this season.
Riley Smith scored her first goal of the season in the 36th minute off an assist from Grace O'Keefe to make it a 2-0 game. O'Keefe put the ball in the air and Smith headed it in off a bounce.
O'Keefe added another assist to her stats when she set up Gracie English for the third and final goal of the game. In the 54th minute, English's fifth goal of the season.
It also marked O'Keefe's second game of the season with multiple assists.
Camielle Day and Katherine Montgomery split goalkeeper duties in the Bears' victory over the Flames (4-6-2, 3-2-0 MVC). Day had three saves and Montgomery recorded a save as well to preserve the team's eighth shutout of the season.
"I can't describe in words how proud I am of the team right now," head coach Kirk Nelson said. "It's always tough to win on the road, especially being gone since Wednesday. Everyone on the team stepped up today, to not only put in three goals against a strong side, but also to defend together to keep a clean sheet. Great win to close out the first half of conference. Now we get ready for the next one."
The Bears return home on Thursday to face Drake at 7:00 p.m. The game will be shown on ESPN+ and admission is free.
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