SPRINGFIELD- The Missouri State men's soccer team has handed Drake (6-1-6) its first loss of the season with a convincing 1-0 scoreline on Tuesday night in front of a packed home crowd. Senior Daniele Verdirosi scored the deciding lone goal in the 24th minute.
The Bears (5-5-2) stayed on the front foot for the whole match, denying the Bulldogs opportunities to attack. In the first half, it was the Bears who applied the pressure first with freshman Harry Hogben taking a shot in the fifth minute. Just 41 minutes Bulldog Evan Carlson retaliated with a shot on goal, which was saved by senior goalkeeper Jonathan Kliewer. Kliewer put on a stunning performance securing a clean sheet in goal with two saves.
When the scoreboard hit 23:30 a red card was given to Bulldog Ryder Barret. When play resumed the Bears applied pressure from the free kick awarded, with junior Adrián Esteban setting up sophomore Fionn Mooney for a shot on goal. However, his shot to the bottom middle of the goal was saved by Bulldog Tomas Butkovic.
Yet, Verdirosi was ready and finished the job off, tapping the ball into the back of the net as soon as Butkovic let the ball escape from his hands.
"It felt amazing to score as we have had some tough losses this season, so we needed to win again for our confidence. I'm very happy for me and especially for the win with my teammates," stated Verdirosi after the game.
The Bears continued the aggressive momentum into the second half moving the ball forward and dominating offensively.
In the 60th minute, Verdirosi attempted another shot on goal which was ultimately saved by Butkovic. In the 81st minute, classmate Fumiya Shiraishi followed suit but was denied with another save by Butkovic.
The Bulldogs attempted a final press towards the goal, with Preston Kipnusu shooting to the bottom center of the net but was denied an equalizer by Kliewer.
The Bears outshot the Bulldogs, 8-6, with four shots on goal. The Bears tallied two corner kicks while the Bulldogs collected none.
Head Coach Michael Seabolt was filled with pride after the performance by his team, and looks forward to the next challenge.
"Drake is another great team we have faced this season, and that's two straight teams that we have beaten that were undefeated. We did a great job once on the road against South Florida and tonight again at home. I'm really proud of the boys. It was a great job by Kliewer getting a clean sheet in goal and Hugo Jinkinson had his first start tonight in the regular season, so I am super proud of him. A lot of guys stepped up tonight, and I am just excited for next week."
The Bears will host Memphis in an American Conference clash next at home at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:00 p.m. Admission to all home games is free all season.
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