SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Sophomore Jack Wood scored in the 95th minute to give Missouri State (5-2-3) a 1-0 overtime win against Memphis (3-4-2) Wednesday evening at Plaster Field. It was the fourth time in five contests that the Bears have entered overtime, however, the relentless offensive attack prevailed this time around.

"It was a hard fought battle between two good teams," said head coach Jon Leamyfollowing the match. "It was a game of field position and Memphis started strong right out of the gate. I felt that we responded well and got better in the second half, but, you could almost sense it was the type of game that would go into overtime."

In the 15th minute, sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Riggs showed why he ranks among the nation's leaders in goals against average and shutout percentage. Memphis forward Benjamin Ciosanski rocked a shot to the back left corner of the net, only to have the 6-foot-4 keeper lay out for the ball and punch it out of play. 

Riggs denied one more Tiger shot on goal to enter the break with two saves. With another scoreless 45 minutes, the Bears' defense protected its lengthy streak of not allowing a goal in the first half. Thru 10 matches, MSU has held its opponents to zero goals in 47 shot attempts.

The second half continued to be a battle for field position and as the clock inched closer to the end of regulation, the Bears looked for a window of opportunity. Missouri State's Brandon Besong had the best chance of capturing the win in regulation, but defender closed off the lane and blocked his shot in the 87th minute. 

It take didn't take long for Memphis to make its move in the first overtime period. Mark Sherrod, the Tigers' leading scorer, received a cross inside box and sent a well-directed header into the hands of Riggs for his third save of the night.

Three minutes later, the Bears moved the ball upfield and were given a golden opportunity when a yellow card was given to Memphis defender Chandler Gagnon for an illegal slide tackle a yard outside of the box. 

With the ability to sub, Missouri State subbed in forward Jack Wood to take the free kick. Similar to the situation against No. 26 UC Irvine, Wood once again made the most of his opportunity and scored with a shot to the lower left corner of the net. The free kick goal marked the sophomore's second of the season.

Sophomore Andrew Turner led the Bears with three shots, two of which came off corner kicks. On defense, Missouri State's backline and Riggs recorded their sixth shutout of the season.

The MSU men will remain at home to open Missouri Valley Conference action with Bradley on Saturday at 7 p.m.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ECNL Girls N. Atlantic Players to Watch

Women's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

Best of Men's College Soccer Week 13