TULSA, OKLAHOMA — Missouri St. and Tulsa canceled each other out Wednesday night, finishing in a 0-0 draw in a defensive struggle that saw both teams create chances but fail to convert. The Bears (6-5-3) extended their unbeaten streak to three matches, while the Golden Hurricane (4-8-3) picked up their first point in two games before a sparse crowd at Tulsa's home venue.
Neither team found the back of the net despite multiple opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. Missouri St. managed three shots on goal while Tulsa answered with two. The visiting Bears controlled stretches of possession but couldn't break through Carlito Saylon's steady goalkeeping for the hosts. Will Lowry made two crucial saves for Missouri St., including a point-blank stop on Luke Adams' header in the 76th minute that proved vital in preserving the stalemate.
The first half unfolded as a cagey affair with both teams feeling each other out. Alex Cunningham tested Lowry early for Tulsa in the 10th minute, sending a shot high and wide. Missouri St. responded with Alex Matthews firing over the crossbar in the 16th minute. The Bears pressed harder as the half wore on, with Jared Harlock forcing a save before multiple substitutions disrupted the flow near halftime. Tulsa made three changes around the 32-minute mark, while Missouri St. cycled through five players before the break, suggesting both coaches were searching for answers.
Missouri St. came out aggressive after the interval, creating the better chances. Daniele Aracri's effort sailed wide in the 47th minute, and Ollie Bate sent a low shot just off target in the 49th minute. Tulsa's Jake Reich had a blocked shot in the 46th minute, but the hosts struggled to generate consistent pressure. Harry Hogben drew a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 70th minute after a free kick was awarded to Tulsa, highlighting the physical nature of the contest.
The final 20 minutes saw Missouri St. dominate possession and territory. Fumiya Shiraishi fired wide in the 72nd minute, and Daniele Verdirosi had a late chance in the 90th minute that Saylon saved. Missouri St. earned six corner kicks compared to Tulsa's four, with the Bears repeatedly threatening from set pieces but unable to find a breakthrough. Tulsa's defense, anchored by steady play throughout, held firm when it mattered most.
Missouri St. outshot Tulsa 9-7 overall and created more dangerous opportunities, but both goalkeepers earned their keep. Saylon made three saves while Lowry added two of his own. The Bears' three shots on goal versus Tulsa's two reflected the balance of play, though neither team could capitalize on their chances. Yellow cards went to Luke Adams for Tulsa and Harry Hogben and Hugo Jinkinson for Missouri St., keeping the match competitive but controlled.
The draw leaves Missouri St. in solid position heading into the final stretch of the season. The Bears have now gone three matches without a loss and sit at 6-5-3 overall. Tulsa, meanwhile, picked up a valuable point after dropping their previous match to Kansas City but remain in search of consistent form at 4-8-3.
Missouri St. returns home Sunday to face Charlotte, while Tulsa travels to face Florida Atlantic on the same day. Both teams will look to build momentum from this result—the Bears seeking their next win, the Golden Hurricane hoping to string together consecutive unbeaten matches.