BGSU men’s soccer (9-2-2, 3-2-1) hits the road as they take on the No. 15 ranked Missouri State Bears (9-2-1, 4-0-1) in a huge Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) matchup.
A Falcons win would put BG in a tie for first place in the MVC and knock off a nationally ranked-powerhouse on the road. The Bears currently sit in first place in The Valley on 13 points, while BG sits in second with 10.
The match will take place in Springfield, Missouri, at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium. Kick-off for the game is set for 8 p.m.
Sunday is just the third-ever meeting between these two programs. Last year, Missouri State defeated 10-men Bowling Green 5-2 at Cochrane Stadium in an intense match. The first meeting between the Falcons and the Bears took place in 2000 when BG lost 2-1 on a neutral site.
BOWLING GREEN
These are the games that are season-defining. It’s no secret this is the biggest game of the season so far for the Orange and Brown, not just because Missouri State is an MVC foe, but the fact that they are the 15th-ranked team in the nation.
A win against a program like Missouri State, with the regular-season crown in The Valley much in reach, would be monumental for Bowling Green.
The Falcons, who are coming off eight days of rest, have posted back-to-back shutouts in the last two games. A big performance will be needed from the Orange and Brown backline, along with fifth-year goalkeeper Brendan Graves.
Up top, the number 16-ranked player in the nation, junior forward Trace Terry, and sophomore striker Bennett Painter, the 52nd-rated player in the country, respectively, will likely need to show up on the boxscore for the Falcons to come away with a massive victory. The two have combined for 19 goals on the year, four assists, and eight game-winning goals.
The Orange and Brown have the squad but need to match the intensity from Missouri State to come away with a win.
MISSOURI STATE
The Bears haven’t lost a match in nine games coming into Sunday and are having quite an impressive season.
With four wins and one draw in conference play, Missouri State has yet to be beaten in The Valley. The Bears have won three of the last four MVC Tournament Championships and were runner-up last year, losing to Western Michigan.
Missouri State has scored the third most goals in the MVC with 27 and is tied for first in goals allowed with just 10 conceded in 12 games this season.
The Bears are led by senior forward Jesus Barea, one of the best players in the conference. Barea, the former MVC Player of the Year in 2022, has 12 goals and two assists this season. He is the heartbeat of the Bears attack and has shown up and shown out game in and game out for Missouri State this season.
A win against BG for Missouri State significantly increases their chances of winning the MVC regular season and having the tournament run through Springfield.
FALCON FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
Midfielder, #8 – Andrew Shaffer, Bowling Green
Shaffer has been an x-factor all season long for the Orange and Brown; he is second on the team in assists with seven, can play on either wing and can deliver dangerous crosses in the box.
Forward, #21 – Trace Terry, Bowling Green
Terry’s breakout season has been remarkable, but for the Falcons to come away with a result, he’ll need to have a big performance against the Bear’s defense, who, statically, have been the best in the MVC.
Forward, #10 – Jesus Barea, Missouri State,
With a career total of 31 goals and 17 assists across five seasons for the Bears, this year has been Barea’s best. Another strong showing from their star forward will help the Bears to their fifth conference win of the year.
Forward, #9 – James Jennings, Missouri State
A forward from Dublin, Ireland, Jennings has been a super-sub for the Bears this season, recording six goals and four assists. While Barea may get all the attention, Jennings has been very impactful and will be someone to keep an eye on against the Falcons.
