At Missouri State: Dryden will be instrumental for success this season as one of two returning defenders to start all 22 games last season. 2008: Dryden was an anchor in the Missouri State backfield starting and playing in all 22 of the Bears' matches. His vital role in the Bears' defense helped limit opponents to a 0.95 goals against average and six shutouts. Dryden tallied seven shots from the back line including his lone goal, the game winner, against Eastern Illinois at Plaster Field (11/2). 2007: Dryden played and started 18 matches for the Bears, totaling a goal at Oral Roberts (9/14) and an assist against Centenary (9/1) for three points on the year. He took a total of seven shots with three on goal from the back line and helped the defense allow just a 1.29 goals against average. 2006: Dryden played in eight matches for Missouri State in his rookie season. The West Plains, Mo., native made the transition to defender after a high school career in which he was his team's leading scorer. Background: Dryden was a four-year starter for coach Nick Schmitt at West Plains High where he earned All-Ozark Conference first team honors as a junior and senior. The 6-2 forward was a threetime Class 3 All-District II first team performer, including earning the district's offensive MVP as a senior. Also as a senior, Dryden earned Class 3 All-State honorable mention accolades after leading his team to a 14-9-2 record. As a junior, he netted 24 goals, scored 54 points, and recorded four hat tricks. For his career, Dryden scored 55 goals, including 11 game winners, recorded 129 points, and managed six hat tricks. Dryden was a two-time Academic All-Ozark honoree. He was also a member of the state champion track and field team as a freshman and a two-year letterwinner in basketball at West Plains. Personal: Nick Jordan Dryden is the son of Jeff and Marcia Dryden. He was born July 15, 1987, in Kirksville, Mo.