SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Drake men's soccer (3-10-3, 1-6-1) saw their 2023 season come to a close this evening with a 2-0 loss at MVC runner-up Missouri State (10-2-3, 6-1-1). The Bulldogs could not keep the No. 15 Bears off the scoreboard despite a solid effort as the hosts punctuated the regular season with a 2-0 victory.
 
Missouri State got on the board just six minutes into the match when Pedro Arcoverde was assisted by Kian Yari and Jack Denton for his second score of the season.
 
Drake did their best to knot the score in the first half with shots from Eskil Gjerde in the 11th minute and Kai Knuchel in the 35th, but both attempts were saved. Missouri State took their narrow 1-0 lead into the pause.
 
The Bulldogs kept within striking distance for the majority of the second half, eventually firing off two more shots with one finding the target. With under 10 minutes to play, Missouri State standout Jesus Barea connected on his fifth goal of the year after a James Jennings assist to give the Bears a 2-0 lead.
 
The final six minutes elapsed without another point as Missouri State held on for the 2-0 win in the regular season finale.
 
The Bears outshot Drake 12-4 overall and 7-3 in shots on goal. In goal, Bulldog keeper Quinn Millerd recorded five saves in all 90 minutes of action.
 
"Our season was not lost tonight," Drake head coach Pat Flinn stated. "It was lost when we blew some chances at home earlier in the year. I'd be much more disappointed if we didn't dust ourselves off after the Bowling Green loss and fight like we did at Michigan State and tonight."
 
Missouri State will join five over MVC squads in the conference tournament starting Sunday, Nov. 5. The Bears are the No. 2 seed in the bracket.
 
With the loss, Drake's 2023 campaign wrapped up with a 3-10-3 overall record and a 1-6-1 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play.
 
"As of right now," Flinn continued, "our staff and out players are 0-0-0 going into the 2024 season. We have young talent and incredible growth potential. We will work like (bull)dogs to flip our record next season."