Posted: Sep 02, 2019
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Missouri State junior forward Josh Dolling's goal in the 39th minute was the difference to help the Bears to a 1-0 win over Santa Clara men's soccer on Monday night at Stevens Stadium.
Dolling, a preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference selection after leading the league in goals scored and individual scoring last season, found the back of the net after Santa Clara (1-1) goalkeeper Guillem Badenes Mecho made back-to-back saves off a free kick.
Badenes Mecho parried away Aadne Bruseth's free kick that cleared the Broncos wall from 25 yards straight away to the feet of Stuart Wilkin whose shot from an angle on the left side was again saved by the Bronco goalkeeper before Dolling's shot.
Those three shots on goals in a matter of seconds accounted for a quarter of the Bears (1-0) shot totals on the evening, which outshot the Broncos 12-7.
Santa Clara could not breakthrough a disciplined Missouri State defense, with its best chance to score coming in the 85th minute when Julian Bravo's header from close range was right at the Bears goalkeeper Michael Creek.
For Creek, it was one of three saves on the day compared to six for Badenes Mecho.
NOTES
• The Broncos utilized the same starting lineup as Friday's season opener.
• Freshman Damani Osei made his Broncos debut coming off the bench.
• Bravo led the team with two shots.
UP NEXT
The Broncos host San Jose State on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the midway point of the five-match homestand.
