PEORIA, Ill. -- The Bradley Braves (4-1-4) look to bounce back from their first loss of the 2023 season as they host undefeated Missouri State (5-0-2) during Homecoming. Bradley has tied all four home games this season and is looking for its first win at Shea Stadium.
Tailgate Information
Celebration prior to the soccer game for the entire community including food trucks, beer tent, and family friendly activities starts at 3 PM at Shea Stadium. Reserve your tailgate space here. |
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Saturday Game Information
Bradley Braves (4-1-4) vs #9 Missouri State Bears (5-0-2)
Date & Time: Saturday, September 30, 2023 • 7 p.m.
Location: Shea Stadium (Peoria, IL)
Live Coverage: Watch (ESPN+) |
Live Stats
Bowling Green Recap
The Braves suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday, Sept. 23 in the conference opener on the road against Bowling Green, falling 3-1 to the Falcons. The game was tied 1-1 entering the final ten minutes when Bowling Green netted a go-ahead and insurance goal in the 82nd and 83rd minutes to end Bradley's eight-game unbeaten run to start the season. Bradley's eight-game unbeaten run to begin the season is the third-longest in Bradley history, behind a nine-game unbeaten start in 1998 and a 15-game unbeaten start in 2002.
Bradley Notes
Defensive lockdown: Bradley has shown a strong defense at home, allowing just two goals in the four matches played at Shea Stadium.
Drew Berry and
Alex Grow each have a clean sheet at home this season. The Braves are still unbeaten when playing in Peoria. However, Bradley is looking for its first win at home after ties against Kansas City, Mercer, SIUE, and Green Bay.
Scoring is not a problem: The Braves have scored at least one goal in seven out of nine games during the 2023 regular season. Bradley averages 1.5 goals per game and eight players have scored for BU this season. Kevin Mejias currently leads the team with three goals.
#9 Missouri State Notes
Previewing the Bears: The Bears' defense is one of their biggest strengths this season, as they have only allowed two goals in the last seven games to stay undefeated. Missouri State's offense is also a threat, as they have scored at least one goal in each game during the 2023 season. Missouri State averages 1.28 goals per game this season. Jack Denton leads the Bears with two goals and two assists.
Undefeated in 2023: The Bears are undefeated after seven regular season games. Missouri State defeated #14 Maryland 1-0 during their season opener, marking the first victory against a Big Ten school for the Bears since May 2021. Missouri State has beaten Kansas City, Tulsa, VCU, and Belmont by a 1-0 score. In their most recent fixture, the Bears tied against Saint Louis 1-1 on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.
Series History
Bradley soccer's record vs. Missouri State is 9-32-4 (5-15-1 at Shea Stadium).
- The first-ever meeting came in 1988 when Missouri State won a 2-0 match at Shea Stadium.
- The last meeting was in 2022, and the Bears won 2-0 at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium.
- Bradley looks to get its first win against the Bears since 2015.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Bradley will honor the Homecoming court during halftime. The match will be available on ESPN+.
