SPRINGFIELD- The Missouri State men's soccer team defeated Memphis (4-7-3, 3-4-0) in a patient and dominant performance with a 1-0 scoreline on Saturday night. Senior Harry Jolley scored the determining goal early in the second half.
The Bears (6-5-2, 3-3-0) started the match on equal footing with the Tigers, with much of the first half passing without any scoring opportunities. Memphis' Saad Chaouki took the first shot on goal in the 41st minute, which was saved by senior goalkeeper Jonothan Kliewer. Kliewer secured yet another clean sheet, repeating his strong performance in goal from the last game against Drake with two saves.
In the 43rd minute, senior James Jennings created an opportunity with a shot on goal to the top right of the net, but it was saved by Tiger Filip Sabatti.
In the early stages of the second half, the Bears created a pivotal opportunity that secured victory. In the 52nd minute, Jolley utilized a corner kick by junior Adrian Esteban to score with a brilliant header. This is the first goal for Jolley this season and the third assist for Esteban.
"Obviously I'm delighted for the goal but more so for the winning team performance. We knew it was going to be tough playing against them, but we knew we had to be patient and focused for 90 minutes and ultimately that's what we did," stated Jolley after the game.
The Bears continued to stay on the front foot not letting up the lead. In the 87th minute, Adam Aboohamidi tried to equalize for the Tigers with a shot on goal, but Kliewer was there to save the shot.
Missouri State outshot the Tigers, 7-4, with three shots on goal. The Bears tallied 10 corner kicks while the Tigers collected only two.
Head Coach Michael Seabolt was once again very pleased with the performance by his team.
"I'm really proud of the guys to get a clean sheet tonight," said Seabolt. "That was awesome as they stayed patient."
Up next, the Bears continue American Conference play at Tulsa on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., before wrapping up the regular season at home on Sunday, Nov. 2 against Charlotte (6 p.m.).
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