SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A pair of second-half Missouri State (5-3-2, 2-0 MVC) goals spoiled the Missouri Valley Conference opener for the Drake men's soccer team as the Bulldogs (2-6-2, 0-1 MVC) dropped a 2-0 decision against the Bears on Saturday (Oct. 4).
“This six-game road trip has been one of the most trying experiences in the history of the program,” Drake head coach Sean Holmes commented. “I'm pretty certain we didn't get all the results we wanted out of it, but lots of growth has taken place. Young players have matured, players on the periphery have emerged and I think that with every passing game we have played better soccer.”
“Missouri State is always a super-competitive opponent that plays with an enormous amount of commitment. They have a plan and they stick to it.”
The two teams waged a scoreless first half with Missouri State registering an 11-2 advantage in shots.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod (Waterloo, Ontario/Resurrection Catholic) was peppered by 11 first-half shots from the Bears and responded recording all six of his game-high six saves.
“I was very pleased with our first half tonight,” said Holmes. “We were outshot, but we controlled the ball for a big portion of the 45 minutes and created some very good half chances.”
Emmerich Hoegg broke the stalemate scoring a tally off an assist from Jack Roberts at the 48:48 mark to give Missouri State a lead it didn't relinquish.
Roberts added a late goal in the 89th minute (88:22) to account for the final 2-0 margin.
“To give up a goal so early in second half off a throw-in is a bit disappointing, but these are the moments of truth for teams,” explained Holmes. “I was very pleased with how we responded to an older senior-dominated team on the road as we chased the game and were unlucky not to get something at the end as we thru everything forward.”
Despite besting Missouri State in second-half shots, 6-3, Drake was outshot in the affair 14-8, including 8-2 on goal.
Redshirt sophomore James Grunert (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) and junior Eric Williams (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) led the Bulldogs with two shots apiece. The Bears were directed by a game-high four shots from Roberts.
MacLeod finished the affair with six saves, while his counterpart Addison Watson pulled in two saves for Missouri State.
Holmes offered praise to a number of players for their performances against the Bears.
“Again Darrin (MacLeod) was good in goal and I think quite honestly I have not seen a better center back in the country in our 10 games this season than Alec (Bartlett). His composure and ball-winning abilities are top notch. Up front, I think Alex (Troester) and Thomas (Schermoly) put in some good work as both were creative and unlucky and not to get something for their efforts.”
The Bulldogs return to action hosting former MVC rival and 11th-ranked Creighton in a 7:00 p.m. tilt at the Cownie Soccer Complex on Tuesday (Oct. 7).
“A real test is how we respond to playing a top 15 opponent in Creighton at home on Tuesday night,” said Holmes. “We have never lacked enthusiasm for this long-standing rivalry, despite the fact that they are now in Big East and not in The Valley. I think our young players will respond to a challenge.”
