KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Missouri State men’s soccer team (0-2-0) gave up a late first-half goal to the UMKC Kangaroos (2-1-0) and lost 1-0 in Kansas City, Mo., Monday night.

The Bears applied some early pressure taking six shots and earning three corner kicks in the first 24 minutes of play.  But UMKC would get on the board late in the first half as Diego Rojas found the upper right corner of the net from 30 yards out to beat Alex Riggs in the 44th minute.

The Bears attempted rally late was thwarted by UMKC keeper Ken Cooper.  Cooper made two saves from point blank range in the final minute to preserve the shutout.

Missouri State out shot UMKC 13 to 11 in the match.  Heath Melugin, Jordan Hoffman and Paul Paradise each recorded three shots.  Newcomer Dan Williams added two shots in his first collegiate match.

Senior goalkeeper Alex Riggs made two saves, both in the first half.  He was virtually untested in the second half.

The Bears earned seven corners in the match, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunities.

Missouri State returns home for the regular season home opener against Green Bay, Friday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Plaster Field.  The Bears will also host IUPUI on Sunday, September 12, at 1:30 p.m.