CONWAY, Ark. – Missouri State men’s soccer (3-2) started its first winning streak of the year Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over Central Arkansas (3-2). Senior forward Jesus Barea notched his third brace of the season and fourth of his career, scoring both goals to secure the win.
“We’ve talked for a few weeks now about being Bears, being a team and a family,” head coach Michael Seabolt said. “We’re making strides every week and I’m super proud of the guys.”
Missouri State executed set pieces and utilized a strong attack against the Bears of Central Arkansas. Both of Barea’s goals came off quick ball movement that caught Central Arkansas on its heels.
Each team got a feel for the other in the opening minutes with the first shot coming in the ninth minute outside the box from sophomore midfielder Tyler Caton.
MoState earned its third shutout of the year and first on the road on the backs of two goalkeepers. Senior Harry Townsend made Missouri State’s lone save in the 10th minute. He was subbed out in the 59th minute, opening the door for senior goalkeeper Will Lowry to make his first appearance of his career. Lowry played the final 39 minutes to secure the clean sheet.
“He’s put the work in,” Seabolt said. “He’s a Kansas City guy. He came in and did the job and helped us get the shutout. Kudos to him because he’s put in a lot of hard work in for a long time. I’m so proud of him.”
Barea got the scoring going as he has all season by being in the right place at the right time on a breakaway cross. Junior midfielder Daniel Normann sent the ball to senior forward James Jennings toward the corner of the pitch. Jennings sent a cross right to Barea, who chipped in his career-high seventh goal of the season in the 34th minute.
“I think what it says about Jesus scoring the goals is what a team effort it was,” Seabolt says. “The guys are just working so hard for each other. They’re playing tough. When we score a goal, everybody is so proud.”
Missouri State outshot Central Arkansas 10-6, including 6-2 in the first half with seven shots on goal across the 90 minutes. Barea, who entered the match as the nation’s leader in shots on goal per game, had four of his five shots be on target.
Central Arkansas came out of the locker room with its best chance to equalize. UCA midfielder Charles-Emile Brunet had a close shot blocked by defender Victor Wachowicz, who made multiple run-stopping plays on the opposing Bears.
Missouri State got another break in the 74th minute when a red card was dealt to Kevin Ventura, awarding MSU a free kick. Caton and Barea stood at the ball ready to take the shot. Right before the free kick, Barea broke away on a run that Caton set up perfectly in the box for a score. The goal was Barea’s eighth of the year and the team’s ninth.
“That was the boys,” Seabolt said. “It was all them. It was a long break when the referee was reviewing the play. I asked Tyler what the play was. They came up with a plan and it was a great goal. The service from Tyler, great finish from Jesus, but the service from Tyler was superclass.”
Seven bookings were dealt across the match, including a red card for each team.
Central Arkansas pushed the tempo late when the playing field was even again, but the Missouri State defense held strong to secure its first road win of the season.
Missouri State returns to Springfield for its first conference match of the season on Sunday against Bradley (3-2-1). Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium.
