OCT. 11, 2008

DES MOINES, IOWA -- Ryan Moylan's (Wauwatosa, Wis.) free kick from the right wing in the 83rd minute powered the Drake men's soccer team to a 3-2 home victory past Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams Saturday night.

The Bulldogs, ranked No. 24 in the latest Soccer Times poll, improved their record to 9-2 to equal their entire 2007 victory output.

Missouri State slipped to 3-7-3.

Drake jumped to a 2-0 lead in an eight-minute span on goals by junior Julien Edwards (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and junior Garrett Webb (Prairie Village, Kan.).

Edwards' goal from six yards out on the left wing came on a feed by Webb at the 15:37 mark.

"I think we're a very good team, but not yet a great team," said Drake soccer coach Sean Holmes. "This is the second consecutive match that we haven't, through lack of discipline, held onto a 2-0 lead. Fortunately, we had a better outcome tonight."

Drake had been idle since dropping a 4-3 match at UMKC Sept. 30 when it squandered a 2-0 lead.

Webb pushed the score to 2-0 off an assist by Moylan and junior Luke Gorczyca (Overland Park, Kan.) at 23:38.

"Webb demonstrated why he is the most dangerous front man in the Missouri Valley Conference," said Holmes. "Ryan Moylan with his goal and assist and his great finish showed his experience of being in our program for five years. The winning shot was pure class."

It marked Drake's first home match since Aug. 31. The Bulldogs had played their last eight matches on the road.

Missouri State tied the match at 2-2 on a goal by David Buckenheimer at 69:06.

"Missouri State is the kind of team that forces you to make mistakes," Holmes added. "Their nonstop effort and tireless pressure constantly put you on your back foot."

Drake outshot Missouri State, 10-7, with sophomore Matt Kuhn (Raytown, Mo.) leading the attack with three shots. Moyland and freshman Hunter Kennedy (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) had two shots.

Drake will entertain Western Illinois Tuesday.