CHICAGO, Ill. – The Drake University men's soccer team kicks off the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament against top-seeded Missouri State on Friday. The action is slated to begin at 1 p.m.
 
The Bulldogs won a thriller over Valparaiso in the quarterfinals. Lucas Bartlett equalized with a bomb from near midfield in the 87^th minute, and Leroy Enzugusi scored in the 103^rd minute to lift Drake to a 2-1 double-overtime victory.
 
The Bulldogs and the Bears have tangled twice this season, with Missouri State winning both meetings by a score of 3-1 and in eerily similar fashion.
 
On Oct. 19, the Bears struck first before Liam Wilson pulled Drake level just before halftime with a header on an assist by Cole Poppen. Missouri State recorded two goals late in the second half to secure the win in Springfield.
 
In the most recent meeting on Nov. 9, Missouri State scored in the eighth minute to take an early lead. Wilson then headed home the equalizer on a delivery by Poppen just prior to halftime. The Bears responded with goals in the 85^th and 87^th minutes to see out the victory.
 
Scouting Missouri State
 
The Bears (16-0-0, 10-0-0 MVC) completed a perfect regular season and are the only D1 school without a loss or a draw this year.
 
They are led by Matthew Bentley, who tops the MVC with 13 goals and 30 points. Josh Dolling (six goals, five assists, 17 points) and Stuart Wilkin (five goals, four assists, 14 points) are formidable attackers in their own right.
 
Jack Denton leads the conference with eight assists this year.
 
Missouri State's goalkeeper, Michael Creek, leads the MVC with a 0.63 goals against average.