Missouri State men fall to Tulsa

TULSA, Okla. – The Missouri State men’s soccer team opened the regular season with a 2-0 loss against the 14th-ranked Golden Hurricane in Tulsa tonight.  The Bears held Tulsa at bay until late in the second half as two late goals sealed the victory for the Golden Hurricane.

Missouri State jumped out to a fast start as sophomore David Buckenheimer tested Tulsa keeper Andy Aguilar in the first minute of play.  Four minutes later, junior transfer Paul Paradise again tested Aguilar, but the match remained scoreless.  The Bears would get eight shots in the match, with the two early shot on goal.

Missouri State goalkeeper Alex Riggs made three saves on the night.  His two first-half saves helped keep the match scoreless until Tulsa’s Corey Albertson found the back of the net in the 77th minute.  Jose Parada added a goal in the 87th minute to seal the win for Tulsa.

Paradise led the Bears in shots with three.  Senior Johannes Demarzi and Buckenheimer each added two shots for Missouri State.

Each team earned two corners in the physical match that saw double digit fouls on both sides.

“I give Tulsa full credit,” said head coach Jon Leamy.  “They are a good side.  If our guys are more assertive, more confident and we prevent those opportunities that led to the goals, we will be in good shape as the season goes on.”

Missouri State will return home on Saturday to face UMKC at Plaster Field.  Saturday’s match begins at 4:00 p.m.  All fans in attendance will receive a free schedule magnet and schedule poster of the 2009 men’s soccer team.