BRADLEY SOCCER RECAP

OCT. 25, 2014 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Bobby Parker, Associate AD for Communications

 

Missouri State Blanks Bradley Soccer, 1-0

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Missouri State (7-4-3, 3-0-1 MVC) scored early in the second half, then shortened the game with its trademarked pattern of constant substitutions to earn a 1-0 Missouri Valley Conference win against visiting Bradley (6-9-0, 1-4-0 MVC) Saturday night at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium.

 

After the teams combined for just seven total shots in the first half, the Bears took control when James Thomas headed home a rebound at 50:49.  The Bears, who have not allowed a goal in regulation time in a regular-season Valley game since 2012, then began their familiar strategy of working the clock by constantly running substitutions into the game for the next 34 minutes.  

 

Taking advantage of the NCAA substituion rules, Missouri State subbed players 14 times during the 34-minute period until the clock stops when the leading team subs inside the final five minutes of regulation.  As part of the pattern, five players spent less than six minutes on the bench, including one player who returned to the field just 1-minute, 36-seconds after checking out and two other players who spent less than 3-minutes, 15-seconds on the bench.

 

Bradley managed only five shots in the game and Missouri State keeper Addison Watson made four saves to record the shutout.  Logan Ketterer made six saves on Missouri State's 12 shots to keep the Braves in the game.

 

The Braves will step out of conference for its next two games, hosting Belmont Tuesday night at Shea Stadium and visiting Big 10 newcomer Rutgers Friday, before closing out the regular-season with a pivotal Missouri Valley Conference match against Drake Nov. 8 for Senior Night at Shea Stadium.