ST. LOUIS – The No. 9-ranked Missouri State men’s soccer team battled cross-state opponent to a draw 1-1 Wednesday night. Early goals from both teams led to the Bears and Billikens fighting for possession until the very last whistle.
Saint Louis got on the board early as a set piece from junior defender Lawson Redmon found fifth-year defender Diego Konincks, who headed in his second goal of the season in the 12th minute.
Konincks’ goal was only the second to go by senior goalkeeper Harry Townsend all season and the first goal allowed on a live play. Tulsa scored on an early penalty kick on September 5.
Playing from behind for only the second time this season, the Bears (5-0-2) battled to take possession every chance they got while still patiently waiting for the right opening to pounce. Junior James Jennings was close to scoring his second goal in as many games a few minutes later, but Saint Louis redshirt freshman goalkeeper Mason Hart made one of four strong saves.
Missouri State continued to apply pressure by outshooting Saint Louis 8-2 in the first half and 14-4 throughout the 90 minutes. Seniors Kian Yari and Jack Denton led all players with three shots apiece. Yari’s first two shots in the first 23 minutes were right on the net and nearly tied it up.
It was another set piece for the Bears that provided the equalizer. Ten minutes before the half, Missouri State recovered a free kick that was initially headed away. Denton sent Jennings a cross, where his header was deflected by Hart. Sophomore forward Gijs Hovius got the rebound on the right side of the net and quickly crossed it to junior defender Michael Peck, who poked the ball into the top of the net for the game-tying goal.
That score marked Peck’s first career in his 43rd start at Missouri State.
Missouri State exited the locker room with a mission to complete the comeback win and got close on a handful of opportunities. The closest was a few minutes after halftime when freshman midfielder Tyler Caton found Denton on a free kick. Denton’s header got passed Hart and looked to be heading for the back of the net. However, Redmon followed up his assist by kicking the shot out of the air and away from the net.
The Bears had full control of the attack by taking three times as many shots as the Billikens in the second half. Saint Louis did get a good look right outside the goal box from junior forward Seth Anderson, but his left-footed strike was stopped by Townsend for his second save of the night.
Missouri State fought to the very end as Denton had one final opportunity deflected right as the final minute struck.
The Bears will return to conference play on Saturday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. at Bradley (4-1-4, 0-1-0 MVC) to close out a two-game road trip.
