SPRINGFIELD – No. 9 Missouri State men’s soccer (7-0-1, 3-0-0) beat South Florida (1-7-1, 0-2-1), with a 3-2 scoreline for a third straight American Conference victory. Senior Fionn Mooney excelled, scoring a brace at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium on Saturday night.
The Bears extend their unbeaten streak to eight games, their longest since a 13-match run in 2024.
“We showed our goal scoring prowess, and we still need to keep thinking about how we’re going close out games and we’ll keep working on getting that stronger but I’m super proud of the guys,” stated head coach Michael Seabolt after the win.
The first half proved unfruitful for both the Bears and the Bulls, with neither team able to capitalize on opportunities created.
But it all clicked for the Bears in the 57th minute of the second half, and Mooney was able to pull off a brace, scoring twice within four minutes.
The first goal came from an assist by fifth-year Adrián Esteban whilst the second was by a cross from freshman Ben Furlong.
“It’s great to get two goals and help the team, get the three points and keep moving forward,” stated Mooney after the victory.
But the Bulls refused to go without a fight, and in the 72nd minute Tyler Richardson found the back of the net to get South Florida on the scoreboard.
In the 80th minute, fifth-year Hugo Jinkinson came up with a stunning header off of a pass by senior Daniel Souza, for the game-deciding goal and the 3-1 lead.
The Bulls pulled closer on the scoreboard in the 85th minute with a goal by Serigne Diallo, but the Bears managed to stay ahead and claim their seventh victory of the season.
Missouri State ended the night with 11 shots with eight on goal, while South Florida ended with four shots, of which two were on goal. The Bears tallied six corner kicks, to South Florida’s two. The Bulls made five saves while the Bears made none.
“It will be an awesome game with Central Arkansas; they’re having a great season this year. It’ll be an awesome regional matchup and we’re excited for that match so come out and join the crowd,” expressed head coach Michael Seabolt heading into the Bears’ next game in a few days.
The Bears are home again for their next match on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7:00 p.m. to tackle Central Arkansas at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium. Admission is free all season long.
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