Springfield Standard

Missouri State University women's soccer team concluded its regular season with a 1-1 draw against Florida International University (FIU) on Sunday at Leyva Family Field in Miami. This result brings the Bears' record to 5-8-4 overall and 2-3-3 in Conference USA play, while FIU finishes at 7-5-4 overall and 4-3-1 in the conference.

Missouri State opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Reilly Heman netted her fourth goal of the season. The play began with a long kick from goalkeeper Ella Becker, which was picked up by Lillie Rasmussen before Heman finished from outside the box. The Bears maintained their lead through a defensive first half, anchored by defenders Riley Smith and Maddie Schneiderhahn.

A key moment came late in the first half when FIU's starting goalkeeper Valery Restrepo received a red card for a foul outside the penalty area that stopped a potential scoring opportunity. As a result, FIU played with one fewer player for the entire second half.

Despite being down a player, FIU equalized in the 64th minute as Montelene Dymond scored on a header following a cross from Grace Morris. Missouri State continued to create chances, outshooting FIU 14-9 and recording six shots on target compared to five for FIU. Goalkeeper Ella Becker made four saves for Missouri State, while Odaliana Gomez, who replaced Restrepo for FIU, recorded five saves.

With this tie, Missouri State has secured a place in the upcoming Conference USA Tournament. The tournament will begin on Sunday, November 2, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Missouri State enters as the No. 8 seed and is set to face top-seeded Western Kentucky University (WKU) in the quarterfinals at 4:30 p.m. CT. Should they advance past WKU, they will compete in the semifinals on Tuesday, November 4, at 7 p.m. CT against either Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) or FIU.

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