ST. LOUIS – Missouri State senior forward Jesus Barea (Cádiz, Spain) has been named Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week following two strong performances against Pacific (Aug. 26) and Kansas City (Sept. 2), the league announced Tuesday afternoon.
He notched his second and third career braces against the Tigers and the Roos, scoring two goals in each match. He has played a part in all six Mo State goals this season, scoring five of them and getting the assist on senior defender Michael Peck’s opening goal in the 3-0 victory against Pacific to open Missouri State’s home season.
Barea singlehandedly outshot both of his opponents over the last week. He has scored in a career-high four consecutive matches going back to the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Stanford.
Barea leads the nation in shots per game (6.33) and shots on goal per game (4.33). He also leads the MVC in total shots (19) and total shots on goal (13) in just three matches. Barea is tied with Evansville senior forward Nacho Diaz Barragan for The Valley lead in goals (5) and points (11), both of which are tied for fourth in Division I. Diaz Barragan also won his fourth career MVC Offensive Player of the Week award on Aug. 27.
After attempting nine shots with seven on goal last night against Kansas City, Barea is second in team history in career shots (199), trailing only Jamal Sutton (236). Barea is also seventh in Missouri State history in career points (64) and career goals (24).
The Bears end a three-game homestand on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7:00 p.m. CT against Tulsa (1-2) at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium. Admission is free for all attendees.
