SPRINGFIELD – Former Missouri State men's soccer forward Matthew Bentley was selected by Minnesota United FC in the fourth round of the 2020 Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Monday (Jan. 13).
 
As the 88th overall pick, Bentley becomes the 30th player in club history to continue his playing career at the professional level.
 
Bentley heads to MNUFC after putting together one of the most impressive seasons for a Missouri State player.  He was named Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year after finishing as the league leader in goals (15), points (34), and game-winning goals (6).  With 13 of his 15 goals coming in Valley play, Bentley was one of six Bears to receive All-MVC first team honors.  He was tabbed a first team All-American as well as a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist after finishing inside the top-15 nationally in total points (13th) and goals (11th). 
 
"We are extremely proud of Matt for this fantastic and well-deserved honor," said head coach Jon Leamy.  "He has done exceptional things for us here at Missouri State both on the field and in the classroom.  We will continue to support and cheer him on as he begins his professional career."
 
The senior from London, England closed out MSU's perfect 16-0 regular-season run with an eight-game scoring streak.  He totaled 11 goals during that span which included a trio of multi-goal performances against Evansville (Oct. 5), Bradley (Oct. 9), and Valpo (Oct. 30).  His goal at the 0:14 mark against Loyola on Nov. 3 cracked the NCAA record book, tying at No. 22 on the list of the fastest goals from the start of a game in Division I history. 
 
In the first round of the NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament, Bentley scored the lone goal to secure Missouri State's first-ever NCAA Tournament win with a 1-0 result against Denver on Nov. 21. 
 
In his first year as a Bear after transferring from West Virginia Wesleyan College, Bentley etched himself into the MSU record book, tying for the most game-winners in a season while ranking second in goals and third in total points.
 
"We were impressed with what Matt was able to do at Wesleyan and he came into our program and worked hard to settle in with the team," added associate head coach/sports director Michael Seabolt.  "He was terrific for us this past year and his talented teammates were able to give him a platform to display his abilities.  After talking with Amos Magee, MNUFC's Director of Player Personnel, who I worked with previously in the MLS, we had a good feeling Matt would be drafted by Minnesota. We are excited to see Matt carry over the success he had here with Minnesota United."