Springfield Standard

Missouri State University Lady Bears soccer team will conclude its regular season with a match against Florida International University (FIU) on Sunday, October 26, at Leyva Family Field in Miami. The game is set to begin at 12 p.m. Central Time and marks the first meeting between the two programs.

Missouri State enters the match with a 5-8-3 overall record and a 2-3-2 record in Conference USA play. The team is currently in eighth place in the Conference USA standings, holding the final spot for postseason qualification. The Bears are one point behind Louisiana Tech and two points ahead of New Mexico State, with the top eight teams advancing to the Conference USA Tournament.

The postseason scenario is clear for Missouri State: a win or tie would secure their tournament spot, while a loss combined with a New Mexico State win would eliminate them from contention. If there is a three-way tie involving Missouri State, Louisiana Tech, and New Mexico State, tiebreaker criteria such as goal difference, goals scored against common opponents, and NCAA RPI rankings would be used. Currently, Missouri State holds an advantage in goal difference and RPI ranking over New Mexico State.

The Bears have performed strongly on the road this season, compiling a 5-2-2 away record, which places them tied for 12th nationally in road wins.

Missouri State's 24-match conference unbeaten streak ended earlier this month with a loss to Western Kentucky, their first league defeat in nearly three years. This streak spanned their time in both the Missouri Valley Conference and their inaugural season in Conference USA.

Goalkeeper Ella Becker has played every minute of all 16 matches, ranking fourth in Conference USA for minutes played. She is also third in shutouts with four and fifth in total saves with 55.

On offense, Julia Kristensen leads the team with 13 points from five goals and three assists. Kristensen also holds the program’s single-season assist record with 13 in 2024 and is approaching second place in both career assists and total points for Missouri State.

Abby Hansen is second on the team with 10 points, including three goals and a team-high four assists. Hansen is tied for first nationally and in Conference USA in penalty kick conversions.

Reilly Heman follows with nine points, contributing three goals and three assists, while Brooke Cattoor has added six points and is also tied for first nationally in penalty kick conversions. Emma Shields has recorded five points and leads the team in game-winning goals, ranking sixth in Conference USA.

Missouri State averages 1.25 goals per game and limits opponents to a .144 shooting percentage. The Bears have generated consistent offensive pressure throughout the season, recording 70 corner kicks.