Bears Men’s Soccer prepped for top-25 showdown with Roos

SPRINGFIELD–The Missouri State Men’s Soccer team has dominated its in-state rivalry with University of Missouri Kansas City.

The Bears have a lopsided edge over the Roos, 17-4-2, since their very first meeting back in 1987.

However, while the scoreboard is heavily tilted in MSU’s favor, UMKC has won the last three meetings, which, include a 3-2 victoy in 2023, that snapped a seven-match losing streak against Missouri State, winning its first game in the head-to-head series since 2010, as well as, upsetting the Bears in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

And, most recently, the Roos took down the Bears, 2-1 last August. So, you could say there’s a mutual respect but also a desire to snap that streak for Missouri State.

“We try to focus on the signal not the noise,” said Bears Head Coach, Michael Seabolt. “Two of the best teams in the country, two top ranked teams, two NCAA Tournament level teams and we aim to prove that the state of Missouri has the best NCAA soccer in the nation.”

“I mean they beat us three times since I’ve been here,” said Bears senior defender, Harris O’Connor. I haven’t won against them. I’d imagine there’s a mutual respect between both teams. I’m not scared whatsoever about this game coming up.”

With wins over national power Penn State, and a victory last week against Florida International, in their first American Conference match, the Bears have all the reason to be confident in their chances.

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