No. 1 MISSOURI STATE 2, No. 5 LOYOLA 0
Box Score

PEORIA, Ill. – Top-seeded Missouri State scored two goals for just the fourth time this season, as Emmerich Hoegg scored in the 28th minute and Jack Roberts sealed the deal in the 84th minute, leading the Bears to a 2-0 victory over fifth-seeded Loyola. With the victory, the Bears earned their 11th shutout of the season. Missouri State advances to the title match for the second-straight season and will await the winner of the SIUE/Bradley match this evening.

In the 28th minute, the Bears earned a free kick from just past midfield. Andrew Turner, the lone man around the ball for the set piece, sent a long ball into the box. Robbie Oslica flicked it towards the center of the box with a well-placed header onto the foot of Emmerich Hoegg. The Bears’ leading scorer and All-MVC First Team selection played a perfect touch past the oncoming keeper and gave Missouri State the early lead. The goal is Hoegg’s seventh of the season.

Late in the match, as the game was stretching open, the Bears were able to bring the ball up the field. Precision passing from Brandon Barbero and Emmerich Hoegg in the 84th minute worked in MSU’s favor as the two paired for assists on Jack Roberts' third goal of the season.

Addison Watson made a save in the 11th minute of play as Loyola was able to get ahead of the defense. Watson came out towards the attacking player, John Cappuccitti, to cut off the angle and force the early shot. Watson also came up with a save in the 80th minute when the shot from Elliot Collier was on target. The sophomore finished with three saves in the match. Watson’s ninth shutout of the season is ties Alex Rigg’s for third most in a season by a Missouri State goalkeeper.