Game of the Weekend: No. 4 Western Michigan vs. No. 9 Northwestern:
Western Michigan (3-0-1) takes on Northwestern (4-0-0) today at 5:30 PM EDT in an intense Top 10 matchup. The game will take place at Western Michigan’s home field, “The Farm.” WMU boasts a 6-0-1 record against Big 10 opponents since 2019 and will be looking to continue their streak with a third Top 15 victory. So far this season, the Broncos have bested the University of Vermont and the University of New Hampshire, who were No. 14 and No. 9 at the time, respectively. WMU forward and Michigan State transfer Greyson Mercer will be a player to watch, entering the contest with 4 goals and 2 assists on the season. WMU goalkeeper Colin Welsh, last week’s Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) defensive player of the week, will also be a key player in the competition.
The Broncos currently lead the series 6-2, earning a 3-0 triumph in their last meeting on Sept. 9, 2022.
Following this match, Western Michigan stays home to face Air Force (0-3) at 1 PM EDT on Sunday in the Broncos second game of the weekend. The teams met for the first time last season, where WMU earned a 1-0 victory.
Missouri State vs. Tulsa:
Missouri State (1-2) faces Tulsa (1-2) at home today at 8 PM EDT. Missouri trails in the series 21-40-4, although the two teams tied 1-1 on Sept. 5th last year. Missouri State forward Jesus Barea continues to impress with five goals in three games and was named MVC Offensive Player of the Week. Barea also leads the nation in shots per game (6.33) and shots on goal per game (4.33).
Northern Illinois vs. Kansas City:
NIU (1-3) hosts Kansas City (2-1-1) today at 8 PM EDT. NIU leads the series 2-0-1, but the two teams have not competed since 2007. NIU will be the second match of a three-game MVC lineup for Kansas City. The Roos defeated Missouri State 3-2 on Monday and will face Drake on Sept. 9.
Bowling Green will oppose NIU in the Falcons’ first conference matchup at 7 PM EDT on Sept 13th at Cochrane Stadium. BGSU trails slightly in the series 19-20-2, most recently falling to the Huskies 1-2 last fall.
Drake vs. Houston Christian:
Drake (2-2) hosts Houston Christian (1-3) today at 2 PM EDT. The last and only time these teams showed off was in 2014, ending in a 2-2 draw.
UIC at Oakland:
UIC (1-3) travels to Oakland (0-3) today for a 7 PM EDT kickoff. UIC leads the series 6-2-3; the two teams tied 2-2 in their last matchup on Sept. 1, 2023.
Evansville at Lindenwood:
Evansville (4-0) are playing at Lindenwood (0-2-1) today at 8 PM EDT. Evansville leads the series 1-0-1, most recently drawing 2-2 on Sept. 13, 2023.
Belmont at South Carolina:
Belmont (2-1-1) heads to South Carolina tomorrow for a 7 PM EDT kickoff. South Carolina won 1-0 in their only matchup in 2014.
