SPRINGFIELD, Mo. --- UC Irvine men's soccer played its second straight ranked opponent on the road to start the season traveling to Allison South Stadium where they fell, 3-0, to the 19th-ranked Missouri State Bears.

OPENING STATEMENTS
Out of the gate, the Bears (1-0-1) firing at 'Eater keeper Luke Pruter early and often. Pruter was up to the task saving three shots and thwarting a few other chances. The Bears found a way past however in the 31st minute. Nicolo Mulatero wove through the Anteater defense and finished inside the far post for the breakthrough and 1-0 lead.

MSU had the advantage into the half with seven of the eight shots and five of the six corners along with the one-goal lead.

BRACE RACE
UCI (0-2-0) looked to get back into the match, but the Bears and Mulatero got back on the board next. A trip in the box put him back on the spot, and he finished with a chip to Pruter's left for a 2-0 advantage in the 59th minute.

The Anteater offense responded quickly with its first shot on frame from Diego Otoya and multiple chances from Jake Means, but again the Bears netted a shot to make it a three-goal game. This time it was Jesus Barea assisting on his second goal slotting a pass to Aadne Bruseth who finished through the Anteater defense in the 72nd minute to all but put the match away.

FINAL SCORE: #19 MISSOURI STATE 3, UC IRVINE 0
For the first time in this series, a victor was determined. The 'Eaters and Bears had met twice resulting in draws each time. The 'Eaters are also 0-2 to begin the season, both falling to ranked squads.

Pruter finished the match with seven saves, the third time in his eight career matches he's stopped at least seven in a match. MSU finished with a 16-6 shot advantage as UCI put three on target against Bears keeper Harry Townsend. Samuel Atiye made his first start as an Anteater on the night as well playing 65 minutes.

The 'Eaters are back to Southern California and Anteater Stadium for the next four matches starting Friday with a 5:00 p.m. match against Pac-12 foe, Cal.