The Hilltoppers (1-8-4, 0-1-1 in MVC action) had its opportunities by outshooting MSU (4-6-2, 0-1 in conference play) 20-11, including 17-9 during regulation. Of WKU’s 20 shots, nine had to be saved by Bears’ goalkeeper Lance Parker.
Will Thompson hit a strike in the 108th minute, but Parker grabbed it before it could reach the net.
The best chances for WKU, however, came between the 54th and 60th minute. Ben Backstrom had a corner kick at 53:26 which led to a header by Andy Masteller that was saved by Parker. Dustin Downey then forced Parker to make another save at the 55:38 mark. Paul Kopec then sent a ball that hit the post and then he collected the rebound, but Parker saved another chance for the Hilltoppers at 59:40.
Downey led the attack, tallying 5 shots, while Brad Magnuson added three. Pat Rickman played all 110 minutes of action in goal and made three saves for his first shutout on the year.
Johannes Demarzi added six shots for Missouri State and Kyle Windmueller recorded three.
The Hilltoppers return to action on Wednesday to face their third straight MVC opponent Creighton at the WKU Soccer Complex at 7 p.m. (CDT).
