KANSAS CITY – No. 18-ranked Missouri State men’s soccer repeated its fortunes against the Kansas City Roos on Thursday as Jack Denton once again scored the lone goal in the 52nd minute to give the Bears a 1-0 victory.
“It’s fantastic to see Jack pop up on the score sheet again,” head coach Michael Seabolt said. “He sets his sights on being aggressive and getting forward and he’s doing that well.”
The Bears improved to 2-0 on the season following its defeat over then-No. 14 Maryland last week by the same score. Denton, named to College Soccer News’s National Team of the Week, once again came up clutch in a game that Missouri State had under control.
Missouri State set the tone early by firing multiple shots in the opening minutes. Junior James Jennings took a shot in the ninth minute that was saved by Kansas City senior goalkeeper Stephano Camerlengo. The Bears kept him busy with 10 shots evenly split by each half. Five of the 10 shots were on target, including one from Denton late in the first half that was a preview of what would come after the break.
The Roos were held without a shot in the first half and its three second-half shots were either deflected or off target.
“We defended really well with great pressing from the front,” Seabolt said. “The midfield and the back four have been really solid and in the position where they need to be.”
The Bears stayed in control to start the second half itching to get on the board. Denton found the back of the net for the second game in a row thanks to an assist from senior forward Jon Koka, who returned to the pitch after halftime.
Denton has scored both of Missouri State’s goals this season while the Bears have yet to allow a score. Despite Denton’s dominance on the scorecard, the Bears distributed the chances well with seven players taking attempts at the net.
“We got a lot of guys who can score goals, a lot of good attacking players,” Seabolt said. “James Jennings tested the goalie tonight. Other guys tested the goalie and they’re going to pop up and score goals.”
One of the newcomers who especially stood out was junior defender Daniel Shabani, who was one of the shot takers off the bench making his Bears debut.
“He’s trained hard all spring and all preseason,” Seabolt said. “Just awesome for him to get this opportunity and to take it and play well.”
Missouri State’s defense was stellar in keeping Kansas City from getting any shots on goal. The Bears navigated through four opposing corner kicks with little harm.
The Bears extended its winning streak against the Roos to seven games and have yet to lose to Kansas City since 2010.
Missouri State (2-0) will look to remain perfect in the final matchup of its three-game road trip against Tulsa (1-1) on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Tulsa will play No. 25 Oral Roberts (2-0) on Friday before welcoming the Bears.
