Springfield Standard

Missouri State University’s women’s soccer team will play its first home game of the season against Kansas City on August 21 at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium in Springfield, Missouri. The Bears come into the match with a record of 0-1-1 after completing a two-game road trip, which included a tie against Nebraska. Freshman forward Rowann Law scored her first collegiate goal in that game, assisted by Macee McKenna.

Defenders Maddie Schneiderhahn and Kayla Smith contributed to holding Nebraska to one goal, while goalkeeper Ella Becker recorded her 12th save of the season.

The upcoming schedule for Missouri State features several non-conference games, including a rematch with Iowa on September 7. Other home games include matchups with Missouri on August 31 and Conference USA opponents Delaware (October 5), Western Kentucky (October 12), Louisiana Tech (October 16), and Sam Houston (October 19).

Last season, Julia Kristensen was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year after leading the team with eight goals and thirteen assists. She also moved up to second place in program history for career assists. Kristensen scored the decisive goal in the MVC Tournament final against Drake and ranked among national leaders in total assists and assists per game according to NCAA statistics.

Jane Hansen received MVC Freshman of the Year honors last year, playing over twelve hundred minutes across all matches and starting sixteen times. Schneiderhahn started twenty games last season, appeared in twenty-one overall, logged more than sixteen hundred minutes on defense, and earned All-MVC Third Team recognition.

The coaching staff was recognized as MVC Coaching Staff of the Year after guiding Missouri State to its first regular-season conference title. The Bears finished as top seed and extended their unbeaten streak in conference play to twenty matches since October 2022.

Promotions for Thursday’s home opener include free admission, postgame autographs from players, and complimentary snow cones for attendees.