Hailey
The Missouri State Bears women’s soccer team is back on the road for another exciting match. On Thursday, September 4, at 6 p.m., the Bears will face the Saint Louis Billikens in St. Louis. This game is not only important for this season but also part of a long-standing rivalry between the two programs.
Missouri State is looking to bounce back and strengthen their record, while Saint Louis will aim to continue their dominance in the series. Let’s break down the details, past history, key players, and what fans can expect from this matchup.
Current Season Performance
The Bears enter this contest with a 2-3-1 overall record. Interestingly, both of their wins have come on the road, showing that the team performs well away from home. Their victories were against SIUE and SEMO, where the offense and defense worked together strongly.
Series History Between the Teams
When it comes to the overall history, Saint Louis has been the stronger side. The Billikens lead the series with a 13-2-6 record.
- Missouri State’s two wins came in 2005 and 2011, both at home, with 1-0 shutouts.
- In the most recent game, played on August 29, 2024, Saint Louis defeated the Bears 4-0 at Allison South Stadium.
This makes the upcoming game a chance for Missouri State to prove themselves against a tough opponent.
Key Players to Watch
Offensive Leaders
- Abby Hansen is the top scorer so far, with two goals and three assists, giving her seven points. She was especially impressive against SIUE, where she scored once and assisted twice.
- Reilly Heman is right behind with two goals and two assists, totaling six points.
- Brooke Cattoor has scored two goals and successfully converted one penalty kick.
- Julia Kristensen has one goal and one assist but is also key in creating chances, with 14 shots and 8 on target. She holds the program record for most assists in a single season (13 in 2024) and ranks third all-time with 18 career assists.
Defensive Strength
- Goalkeeper Ella Becker has started all six matches this season. She has made 28 saves, has a .737 save percentage, and one clean sheet.
- Victoria Spahn made headlines with her outstanding performance against SIUE, where she saved back-to-back penalty kicks to help secure the win.
Team Stats at a Glance
| Category | Missouri State Bears |
|---|---|
| Record | 2-3-1 |
| Goals per game | 1.67 |
| Shots per game | 11.3 |
| First-half goals | 5 |
| Second-half goals | 5 |
| Goals allowed (1st) | 4 |
| Goals allowed (2nd) | 7 |
| Shot percentage | .134 |
These numbers show that the Bears are competitive in the first half but need stronger performances after halftime.
Coaching Success
The Bears’ coaching staff has earned recognition as the MVC Coaching Staff of the Year. Under their leadership, the team won its first-ever MVC regular-season title and achieved a two-year unbeaten streak in MVC play (20 matches). Their last MVC loss was on October 23, 2022, against Illinois State.
This success shows that the program is moving in the right direction and building a culture of winning.
The Missouri State Bears are preparing for a tough challenge against the Saint Louis Billikens, a team that has historically dominated the series.
With Abby Hansen leading the attack, Ella Becker protecting the goal, and a coaching staff that has built a championship culture, the Bears are ready to fight for a big road win. Fans can expect a competitive match filled with energy, strategy, and determination.