Game Preview: Louisiana Tech vs. Missouri State
Springfield, Mo. – Louisiana Tech (3-11-1, 2-3-0 CUSA) is set to continue their three-match road series, facing the Missouri State Bears (5-6-3, 2-1-2 CUSA) on Thursday, October 16. The match will take place at the Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium in Springfield at 6 p.m. CT.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, October 16
- Time: 6 p.m. CT
- Location: Springfield, Mo.
- Opponent: Missouri State Bears
- Venue: Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium
- Watch: ESPN+
- Stats: LATechSports.com/stats
Historical Context
This matchup marks only the fourth encounter between Louisiana Tech and Missouri State, with the Bears currently leading the series with a 2-1 record. Their last meeting was on September 5, 2021, during which the Bulldogs lost 0-1 in Springfield. Notably, all previous matches have ended with the same 1-0 scoreline in favor of Missouri State, demonstrating the competitive nature of this rivalry.
Recent Performance
In their latest outing, the Bulldogs secured a significant 2-1 victory against New Mexico State. This win propelled them into the top eight of the current CUSA standings, enhancing their chances to qualify for the conference tournament. Notable performances came from Avery Jacobs, who scored her first career goal in the 71st minute, followed by providing an assist to Shani Sirota four minutes later, clinching the comeback win.
Missouri State Overview
The Bears have shown promise in their first season in CUSA, remaining unbeaten in their opening four matches. However, they recently faced a setback, losing a high-scoring match to Western Kentucky 4-3. Under the direction of head coach Kirk Nelson, now in his fourth year, the Bears seek to replicate their past success, which includes multiple MVC Tournament titles and a strong finishing record of 13-5-3 in their last MVC season.
Player Highlights
Missouri State boasts a well-balanced offensive lineup, featuring five players with three or more goals this season. Julia Kristensen leads the team, scoring five goals and accumulating a total of 13 points. Additionally, she has taken 34 shots with 17 on target and is tied for second in assists with three, alongside Reilly Heman.
In goal, Ella Becker remains a key player, having started every match this season. She has achieved a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.62, along with a save percentage of .708, which includes 51 saves and four clean sheets.
Support Louisiana Tech Athletics
Success on the field requires robust support behind the scenes. Fans can contribute to LA Tech Athletics through various initiatives such as LTAC, Aillet Society, T-Club, Young Alumni program, and the CHAMP fund, which enhances resources for Bulldog and Lady Techster athletes. For more details, visit BuildTheLegacy.com.
Get Involved
To stay updated and engage with the brand, follow Louisiana Tech Soccer on social media platforms including X (@LATechSOC), Instagram (@LATechSoccer), and Facebook (LATechSoccer).
