Springfield Standard

Missouri State University's men's soccer team, ranked No. 23 nationally, played a friendly exhibition match against the University of Tampa Spartans on Thursday night in Springfield. The event drew a large crowd and provided an opportunity for less frequently used players to get game time.

"Players that haven't played as much this season played today, and it was really cool to see them," coach Michael Seabolt said after the match.

Coach Seabolt expressed appreciation for the visiting team and highlighted connections between the coaching staffs. "They did really well. A big thank you to the University of Tampa coming up here to play Missouri State, a lot of history there with some of our coaching staff, and they're just a great group of coaches and players that gave us a great game tonight."

Senior Daniele Verdirosi scored for Missouri State, while goalkeeper Jonathan Kliewer kept a clean sheet during the contest.

The Bears are now preparing for their next away game against Penn State on Labor Day, scheduled for Monday, August 21 at 3:00 p.m.

"Yeah, we've started watching Penn State a little bit, but we'll do a lot of scouting the next couple of days," Coach Seabolt stated.

He also outlined preparations ahead: "Tomorrow is the day off, so the coaches will get on some of that stuff and we'll give the players a game plan starting on Saturday, but right now it's just rest recover, make sure everybody's healthy and at a good place, then train Saturday and get ready to get up there on Sunday and get ready for the match Monday afternoon. It's a super good challenge. We have a great series with Penn State, we are thrilled to go up there and to have them back in Springfield in 2026, so it's awesome."