Friday, September 11
Springfield
7:00 p.m.
Missouri State University
5-0-0, 1-0-0
2
vs
1
FIU
2-3-1, 0-1-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIU | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Missouri St. | 1 | 1 | 2 |
No. 19 Men’s Soccer Remains Undefeated, Beats FIU 2-1
September 11, 2026 | Men's Soccer
SPRINGFIELD - No. 19 Missouri State men's soccer (5-0-0, 1-0-0) beat FIU (2-3-1, 0-1-0), overcoming an early goal deficit to prevail with a 2-1 scoreline in what was the American Conference opener for both teams at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium on Friday night.
This marks the Bears fifth straight win. The last time Mo State accomplished this feat was back in 2024 with five straight victories from Oct. 1 - Oct. 20.
"There was unbelievable fan support again at home, and I'm so proud of our local fans. Tonight was a celebration of our alumni, our soccer champions, and all our boosters. To win in front of those people, win in front of our fans and get our first victory in the American is a great start to the American Conference season," stated head coach Michael Seabolt after the win.
The Bears had to once again fight back from a one-goal deficit after the Panthers sprinted out of the blocks and Santi Possu scored in the sixth minute.
5th year and captain Harris O'Connor then changed the momentum of the match in the 14th minute. From all the way back at almost the halfway line, O'Connor found the back of the net with a long shot off of a free kick to equalize.
A composed and steady Mo State squad came back onto the pitch in the second half and waited for an opportunity to strike. That opportunity came in the 76th minute, when 5th year Adrián Esteban crossed a free kick to classmate Diego Real who directed the ball towards the goal and a mistake by FIU ensured a 2-1 lead for Mo State.
"Something we struggled with from previous years was being known for giving up set piece goals, known for not scoring them so it's great that we've changed that mentality and we just need to keep it up for the rest of the season," expressed O'Connor post-game.
Missouri State ended the night with six shots with five on goal, while the Panthers shot eight shots, all of which were on goal. The Bears tallied three corner kicks, to the Panthers six. Mo State made seven saves while FIU made three.
Esteban talked about the overall Bear mindset and how the senior players work on influencing the rest of the team.
"We just have to have the same mentality, we just have to keep saying let's go for the next game and let's get a win."
The Bears are home again for their next match on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:00 p.m. to compete against Kansas City at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium. Admission is free all season long.
This marks the Bears fifth straight win. The last time Mo State accomplished this feat was back in 2024 with five straight victories from Oct. 1 - Oct. 20.
"There was unbelievable fan support again at home, and I'm so proud of our local fans. Tonight was a celebration of our alumni, our soccer champions, and all our boosters. To win in front of those people, win in front of our fans and get our first victory in the American is a great start to the American Conference season," stated head coach Michael Seabolt after the win.
The Bears had to once again fight back from a one-goal deficit after the Panthers sprinted out of the blocks and Santi Possu scored in the sixth minute.
5th year and captain Harris O'Connor then changed the momentum of the match in the 14th minute. From all the way back at almost the halfway line, O'Connor found the back of the net with a long shot off of a free kick to equalize.
A composed and steady Mo State squad came back onto the pitch in the second half and waited for an opportunity to strike. That opportunity came in the 76th minute, when 5th year Adrián Esteban crossed a free kick to classmate Diego Real who directed the ball towards the goal and a mistake by FIU ensured a 2-1 lead for Mo State.
"Something we struggled with from previous years was being known for giving up set piece goals, known for not scoring them so it's great that we've changed that mentality and we just need to keep it up for the rest of the season," expressed O'Connor post-game.
Missouri State ended the night with six shots with five on goal, while the Panthers shot eight shots, all of which were on goal. The Bears tallied three corner kicks, to the Panthers six. Mo State made seven saves while FIU made three.
Esteban talked about the overall Bear mindset and how the senior players work on influencing the rest of the team.
"We just have to have the same mentality, we just have to keep saying let's go for the next game and let's get a win."
The Bears are home again for their next match on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:00 p.m. to compete against Kansas City at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium. Admission is free all season long.
#GoBears
Players Mentioned
D
/ Men's Soccer
F
/ Men's SoccerTeam Stats
FIU
MSU
Goals
1
2
Shots
8
6
Shots on Goal
8
5
Saves
3
7
Corners
6
3
Fouls
10
5
Scoring Plays
Santi Possu (3)
Assisted By: Owen Barnett
GOAL by FIU Possu, Santi Assist by Barnett, Owen.
05:44
Harris O'Connor (1)
GOAL by MSU O'Connor, Harris.
13:07
Diego Real (3)
Assisted By: Adrián Esteban
GOAL by MSU Real, Diego Assist by Esteban, Adrián.
75:09
Game Leaders
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
fwd
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Thursday, September 17
Thursday, September 17
Thursday, September 17
Wednesday, September 16
