SPRINGFIELD – The No. 13-ranked Missouri State men’s soccer team secured the win in its home opener Saturday night by taking down VCU in a 1-0 offensive masterclass. Senior forward Jesus Barea utilized a strong string of passes from senior midfielder Alejandro Lopez and senior defender Javier Martin Gil to score the game-deciding goal in the 27th minute.
After an undefeated three-game road trip to start the season, the Bears welcomed a rowdy home crowd that brought in enough energy to lift Missouri State to its third win of the season.
“It was a fantastic crowd, unbelievable supporters,” head coach Michael Seabolt said. “It was awesome to have a huge crowd for our first home game.”
It was an offensive masterclass for the Bears who pelted the Rams with 17 shots, including six shots on goal. Missouri State has outshot its opponents in every game so far while having yet to allow a goal outside of a penalty kick in its previous game against Tulsa.
Missouri State did not waste any time turning up the pressure as it maintained possession for the majority of the game even after Barea’s first goal of the season. Barea led all players with four shots, all of which were on goal. Eight different Bears took an attempt at the net.
Senior goalkeeper Harry Townsend had another smooth day at the net, earning his third shutout of the season and 17th of his career. Missouri State’s defense only allowed one shot from VCU in the 73rd minute that was saved by Townsend.
The Bears were valiant in the first-ever official matchup against the Rams after both teams faced off in an exhibition game last season in Richmond, Virginia.
“I want to thank VCU for the home-and-home series,” Seabolt said. “We wish them the best of luck the rest of the season.”
Missouri State (3-0-1) will have a full week to rest and recover as it will ride its undefeated record back on the road when it visits Northern Illinois (2-3) on Saturday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. CT to open Missouri Valley Conference play.
