With the 2024 BGSU men’s soccer season officially underway, It’s time to take a look around the Missouri Valley Conference.
Western Michigan nets second win over top 15 team
Western Michigan continued to make noise with a second win over a top-15 opponent, making them the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) team to beat this season. Coming off a 3-1 triumph over No. 14 University of Vermont, the Broncos went on to edge No. 9 University of New Hampshire 1-0 on Sunday.
WMU now sits at No. 10 in TopDrawerSoccer’s week three national rankings and occupies No. 4 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll. Redshirt junior Connor Burkett netted the game-winning goal in the first half of the New Hampshire match, and senior goalkeeper Colin Welsh secured a shutout to seal the Bronco victory, as well as earn himself MVC defensive player of the week honors.
“Bronco fans got a great look at Colin Welsh tonight,” WMU head coach Chad Wiseman said. “He is very talented and a big reason we’re flying home with a victory.”
Evansville offensive powerhouse:
The MVC named Evansville forward Nacho Diaz Barragan Offensive Player of the Week following a game-winning goal in the Aces’ opening game at Bellarmine and a brace in their win over Memphis. Diaz Barragan has since netted another brace in a 3-1 victory over Southern Indiana and now leads the MVC in goals scored (five) and total points (11).
Barea shines in Missouri State home opener:
Forward Jesus Barea led Missouri State to victory in their 3-0 home opening victory against Pacific on Monday, burying two goals and assisting another. Barea now leads the MVC in shots (10) and is tied for second in total points (seven).
“He’s started the season great,” Missouri State head coach Michael Seabolt said. “This was the kind of performance we all needed…”
Quick hitters:
After a 62’ goal by Green Bay, UIC found themselves trailing 1-2 on Sunday night. The Flames would soon gather momentum, finding three goals within 10 minutes of play to give them the 4-2 advantage. Forward Bart Muns tallied two goals and an assist on the evening, and senior defender Jesus de Vicente contributed two assists.
Rookie representation:
NIU earned three points in their home opener on Monday against Chicago State. All four goals for the Huskies were netted by a different player, each obtaining their first career goal. Since then, the Huskies have fallen to Memphis and Green Bay.
Drake nearly achieves upset:
After Midfielder Damian Segura buried a penalty kick in the 21’ against No. 12 Northwestern on Friday, Drake entered halftime with hopes of an upset victory. The Bulldogs held on until the final 12 minutes when Northwestern broke through and found two goals of their own to take back the lead.
