Full Schedule Roster Frimpong created two chances early, the first coming in the sixth minute. He carried the ball up the left side before sending in a low cross toward the far post, narrowly missing the foot of Austin Smythe, who made a run in behind the Bears’ defense. In the 16th minute, Frimpong set up Leroy Enzugusi near the top of the box, and Enzugusi put the first shot on goal for either side. The Bulldogs finish the year 8-9-1 overall and 4-5-1 in MVC play. Drake reached the MVC Tournament semifinals for the second straight year.”We want to thank all of our seniors for their dedication, service, and impact on our program,” Smith said. “We wish them the very best of success. We now turn our preparation to next year!” Print Friendly Version The Bulldogs refused to go quietly as they scrambled for another late equalizer following the fireworks against Valparaiso. CHICAGO, Ill. – The Drake University men’s soccer team fell to No. 9 Missouri State, 1-0, in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament semifinals at Loyola Soccer Park on Friday afternoon. The Bulldogs finish the 2019 season with a record of 8-9-1. The teams volleyed attacks at one another but each defense held serve. Finally in the 67th minute, the Bears scored the lone goal of the match. The Bears nearly broke through in the 31st minute when Denton sent in a cross to the far post for Dolling, who headed it into the heart of the box to Ian Jones. Missouri State capitalized on a free kick in the 67th minute. The Bears’ Jack Denton sent forward an in-swinging delivery from 35 yards out on the left flank, and Josh Dolling got a foot to it in heavy traffic to redirect it into the back of the net.”It was a great battle between two very good teams,” said Drake head coach Gareth Smith. “I’m proud of our performance but disappointed in the result. I thought tonight was one of our most disciplined and complete performances on both sides of the ball against a top-10 team in the country.” Dolling redirected the shot as he fell on his backside, and he managed to get enough pace on the attempt to net his seventh goal of the season. Erik Fahner fired a left-footed strike that narrowly missed wide left in the 87th minute. He and Allen ripped two more attempts in the final moments, but Missouri State blocked the tries. Luke Anderson reacted quickly to deal with the danger of Jones’ header. It was the first of two saves on the day for Anderson. Enzugusi created a quality chance in the 25th minute, but his shot hit side netting. From there Missouri State did well to possess the ball and slow Drake’s momentum. Missouri State’s Jones worked down the left side and gained an advantage before being taken down. Denton lobbed in the ensuing free kick, somehow finding the foot of Dolling in the middle of a hoard of bodies near the 6-yard box. Bradan Allen went for goal from outside the box just before halftime, but the lefty’s curling shot hooked just wide right. The buildup gave the Bulldogs momentum into halftime despite being locked at zero. Anderson maintained his composure and made a high quality save in the 78th minute, positioning himself well for a diving save and absorbing the ball to prevent a rebound. Drake rode the wave of momentum into the second half, unleashing two shots in the opening minute. Frimpong again set up Enzugusi, whose header missed the right post by a foot. Moments later Smythe forced a save with a strong strike, and he peppered another shot on target in the 55th minute.”We created more chances in the game and had long spells in the game where we looked dangerous,” Smith said. “If we were a little more clinical in the final third I think we end up with a different outcome. The margins at this level are small and our performance is a clear indication of our quality and ability to compete with some of the best teams in the country. Credit to Missouri State on an excellent season and for finding a way to get the result.” The Bulldogs controlled the early stages of the game as they were spurred on by strong play from Fred Frimpong. In the 35th minute, Missouri State nearly opened the scoring for the second time when Nicolo Mulatero’s knuckling shot ricocheted off the crossbar. The Bears got a rebound attempt but the shot sailed high.
read more
Read More