Springfield Standard

Senior forward Fumiya Shiraishi scored four goals in Missouri State University's men's soccer season opener, leading the Bears to a 4-1 win over Seattle on Thursday. This achievement ties a school record for most goals scored by an individual in a single game.

Shiraishi's performance marks only the fifth time in program history that a player has netted four goals in one match. The previous occasions were recorded by Tim Abeln and Ken Robinson against Baptist Bible College in 1981, Matt Caution versus Missouri Southern in 1993, and Chris Deal against Evansville in 2004. Shiraishi is also the first Division I player since 2023 to reach this milestone.

The match began with Shiraishi scoring in the 15th minute after an assist from senior Ollie Bate. Seattle responded with an equalizer from Yeider Zuluaga five minutes later. Missouri State regained the lead before halftime when sophomore Victor Wachowicz set up Shiraishi's second goal.

In the second half, sophomore Jared Harlock assisted Shiraishi’s third goal in the 70th minute, completing his hat trick. Senior Daniele Verdirosi provided the assist for Shiraishi’s fourth goal in the 82nd minute.

A crowd of 620 attended the match at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium.

"So many fans are here supporting us, I'm so happy to be back here… I just want to keep scoring more and more goals," said Shiraishi.

Coach Michael Seabolt acknowledged the support: "First off, a huge thank you to the fans out here tonight, the students, the football team, the baseball team, so many local people, it's an awesome night, and of course, we got a victory in three points and now we'll focus on Kansas City on Monday."

Missouri State will travel for its next game against Kansas City Roos on Monday at 7:30 p.m.

"Vibes one game at a time, focus on what we are trying to accomplish, and we're going to learn what we can from today, take the positives as well, and then get ready for the next game," Seabolt stated.