The Missouri State men’s soccer team (7-3-2, 2-1-1) got an early goal from Paul Paradise en route to a 3-1 victory over visiting Oral Roberts (6-5-1) at Plaster Field today. Paradise scored in the fourth minute of play as he headed in a free kick serve from Edin Sabic. Paradise got open in the center of the box behind the Golden Eagles’ keeper and headed the ball into the empty net to put the Bears in front, 1-0.

Kyle Windmueller doubled the Bears’ lead in the 15th minute. Jordan Hoffman moved the ball forward to Windmueller down the right side. Windmueller pulled up about 15 yards from net and drilled a laser past the ORU keeper.

Missouri State came out after halftime and added a third goal. Ryan Hennessy was able to get to a loose ball in the box and head it the ORU keeper for a 3-0 Missouri State lead. Johannes Demarzi tallied his team-leading seventh assist of the season on Hennessy’s goal.

Missouri State goalkeeper Alex Riggs, who was named MVC Defensive Player of the Week and Soccer America Goalkeeper of the Week, narrowly missed his third-straight shutout. The Golden Eagles were awarded a free kick just outside the box with less than five minutes remaining. Gary Arauz was able to get the free kick by Riggs for the lone ORU goal. The goal was the first allowed by Riggs in 306 minutes. He made three saves in the win for the Bears.

“We got an early lead and were able to respond after halftime to add the third goal,” said head coach Jon Leamy. “Overall, we played a good match and got the result today.”

Missouri State will now travel to Des Moines, Iowa, for a matchup with No. 19 Drake on Saturday with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. at Cownie Soccer Complex. The Bears will travel to Evansville next Wednesday before returning home for a 3:00 p.m. tilt with Bradley on Saturday, October 24 at Plaster Field.