SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State men’s soccer claimed its 11th shutout of the season here Thursday night in a 2-0 victory over Bradley in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament semifinals. The win advances the No. 23-ranked Bears (11-1-4) to Sunday’s MVC Tournament championship match vs. third-seeded Evansville (1 p.m.) at Allison South Stadium.
It is MSU’s fourth straight appearance in the MVC title game, its sixth in seven years, and 13th in program history.
“I’m proud of the performance tonight,” said head coach Michael Seabolt. “We played well and got a shutout, which ties the record for Harry and excited for the team, too, because that’s a team outcome as well.”
MSU dominated the match from the start, firing off nine shots in the first 29 minutes to gain confidence and momentum. In the 30th minute, the Bears got one to land. Off an assist from Javier Martin Gil, Kian Yari’s right-footed shot from outside the box sailed past the Braves’ goalkeeper, sinking into the bottom left-hand corner to give MSU the 1-0 lead.
The Bears fired off three additional shots through the final minutes of the opening period but went into the locker rooms with the 1-0 advantage.
Out of halftime, the Bears did not relent on their offensive attack and in the 70th minute, scored their 36th goal of the 2022 campaign. A perfectly placed header by Jon Koka off an assist from Nicolo Mulatero increased MSU’s advantage to 2-0 with 20 minutes left in regulation. The score was the junior’s third of the season.
Despite the night’s two-goal performance, it was the MSU defense that stole the show. The deep backfield led by goalkeeper Harry Townsend not only tied the single-season record of 11 shutouts but limited Bradley (5-11-3) to one shot attempt on the night.
Missouri State is looking to join Creighton as the only programs to win three straight Valley tourney titles. Creighton won four-straight from 1992-95.
“Congratulations to Evansville on advancing to the final, we look forward to a tough match on Sunday,” continued Seabolt. “Also, congratulations to Belmont and Bradley for making the final four in the Missouri Valley, it’s always an accomplishment.”
MSU and Evansville faced off earlier this season, with the match ending 4-3 in favor of the Bears. The three goals conceded account for 33 percent of the scores the Bears have given up through their 16 matches, only allowing a total of 9 goals all season.
“I’m excited for our guys to play Sunday and look forward to seeing all the fans come out,” finished Seabolt.
