SPRINGFIELD – Thanks in part to an early goal from senior Julia Kristensen, the Missouri State women's soccer team defeated Tulsa, 1-0, Sunday in its 2024 home opener.
 
With the victory, third-year head coach Kirk Nelson recorded his 25th career win in his 42^nd game at MoState. It also marked the 25^th shutout for Nelson (25-10-7).
 
The Bears' (1-1) first goal of the year came when Kristensen sent the ball clear past Tulsa's Tatum Sanders in the fifth minute of play to secure the lead. Forward Grace O'Keefe set up Kristensen for the first assist of the season. The lone goal of the afternoon would hold up as the stingy MSU defense kept Tulsa off the board the rest of the way.
 
Missouri State's defense held Tulsa to 11 shots with three on-goal. Bears' goalkeeper Camielle Day had all three saves to secure the 20^th shutout of her career.
 
 
Twelve Bears took shots against the Golden Hurricane for a total of 24 with 13 on-goal. O'Keefe led the way with five attempts, all on goal.
  
 "Solid home opener win for us," head coach Kirk Nelson said. "Tulsa is always a battle, and our team showed a ton of poise in all four moments of the game. Plus, our goalkeeping came up big today to keep it a clean sheet. Proud of the entire program and thanks to all the fans for coming out to cheer us on!"
 
Missouri State gets the next week off until SIU Edwardsville comes to town on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free to all home matches this season at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium.