DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with the MVC's top squad on Wednesday evening. The Bulldogs hosted No. 11 Missouri State but could not equalize an early Bears' goal as MSU won, 1-0.
 
The game's only goal was scored in the early stages as Missouri State capitalized. Jesus Barea, the league's leader in goals, scored his 15th of the year (10'). He was assisted by Adrian Esteban and Jared Harlock on the play.
 
The Bulldogs did their best to equalize over the course of the first half but mustered just one shot in the opening 45 minutes. Drake was able to find a bit more urgency in the second half, outshooting MSU 2-1 in the frame, but the Dogs still could not find paydirt.
 
Missouri State held on to win a physical, tense matchup by a 1-0 margin.
 
The Bears took four total shots to Drake's three. The Bulldogs were able to attempt twice as many corner kicks as Missouri State (4-2), but still could not come through.
 
Freshman phenom Preston Kipnusu was his usual aggressive self on Wednesday, leading Drake with a pair of shots. Jackson Kirsch fired an attempt as well. Drake keeper Tomas Butkovic made four saves in goal.
 
"I'm super proud of our progress and the regular season we put together," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "Missouri State is a great team and worthy champions. I asked our guys to go for it and they did that. We're excited to give it another go in the MVC Tournament. Go Bulldogs."
 
The Missouri State win clinched them the 2024 MVC regular season championship and top seed in next week's MVC Tournament. Despite the loss, Drake earned a bye into the semifinals of the league bracket as the No. 2 seed. The Bulldogs will battle the highest remaining seed among No. 3 Bowling Green, No. 4 Western Michigan, No. 5 Evansville, or No. 6 UIC. The Dogs' semifinal match is set for Wednesday, Nov. 13. at 3 p.m. in Springfield, Mo.