Missouri State Bears Shut Out North Florida

Missouri State put it into high gear this evening, taking it to the University of North Florida Ospreys, winning 3-0 tonight. Despite being outshot in the game 19-9, it was the Bear’s who converted their opportunities. The game winner came in the 33rd minute from Henry Lawrence (pictured), who put a free kick into the upper right hand corner.

In a conversation with Assistant Coach Michael Seabolt following the match, he identified consistent production from the freshmen as a key element for this weekends games. The Bears went six deep this evening, giving five freshman minutes. One of them, Brian Collins, got the third goal in the 56th minute when he tucked away a rebound of his shot following Andy Cooper’s cross. The prettiest goal belongs to sophomore Kyle Windmueller however, as the Bears moved the ball up the left side following an Osprey attack. Kyle cut to the center and as his defender struggled to catch up, he unleashed a 25 yard shot that was past the keeper before he realized it was coming.

This is a team that has been difficult to evaluate. Part of it is the sheer number of players that I have earned minutes in the early season and the open question of how the Bears will score their goals with the loss of Ryan Anderson and Danny May. Coach Seabolt has identified Windmueller and Schoucair as the combination they are going to count on early in the season. Shoucair will be out Friday due to a red card in tonights match so it will be another opportunity for the bench to show themselves.

The other element is leadership. I introduced myself to Kenny Boutsabouabane, who wore the Captain’s armband this evening, following the match. He had some positive, and frank comments about what’s needed. Interview with Kenny Boutsabouabane, MSU Bears. (Quicktime v7 required)

The Bears host their annual Comfort Inn/Diadora Tournament this weekend. Drake will face Western Illinois on Friday at 5 p.m. followed by the Bears’ 7 p.m. contest against Central Arkansas. Saturday’s matchups will pit Drake against Central Arkansas at 5 p.m., followed by the Bears hosting Western Illinois at 7 p.m.