The first week of Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play has passed, with plenty of matches to talk about.
Belmont shocks conference, draws 1-1 with No. 4 Western Michigan:
Belmont hosted No. 4 Western Michigan on Sunday, the highest-ranked team to ever play at their home field, E.S. Rose Park. Western Michigan entered conference play with a record of 5-0-1, including three victories over Top 15 teams. Belmont’s record stood at 2-2-2, the clear underdog in the competition.
The game was scoreless until the 43’, when sophomore defender Nate Mefford buried his first career goal, putting the Bruins ahead going into the second half. Mefford’s contributions would soon end after he received a 56’ red card, giving Western Michigan a man-up advantage.
10 minutes later, WMU redshirt sophomore forward Roni Sylejmani shot from over 30 yards out, finding the equalizer for the Broncos.
“Belmont was simply winning the physical battles,” admitted WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. “They had a lot of spirit for the game today and it carried them into a positive result.”
The Bruins have a strong history of home game performances, earning a result in 31 of their last 33 home matches. With this draw, they recorded their first result against a Top-five team in program history.
Western Michigan extends its unbeaten streak to 28 games but drops four spots in the TopDrawerSoccer national rankings, now occupying No. 8.
Bradley plays with 10 men, nearly shuts out Missouri State:
Bradley (3-3-1, 0-1-0) traveled to Springfield, MO this past weekend to take on Missouri State (4-2-0, 1-0-0) in both teams’ first Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) match of the season.
Junior goalkeeper Drew Berry made five crucial saves in the first half, keeping the match level at the break.
Although Missouri State dominated the entire game, their offense took off after a red card for senior midfielder Joao Saraiva left Bradley with ten men.
Missouri managed 12 second-half shots to Bradley’s zero, but the Braves held on until the 79’ when James Jennings netted the game-winner for the Bears, his first goal of the season. With six shots on goal, Missouri forward Jesus Barea was unable to get one past Berry, ending his six-game scoring streak.
Evansville falls to Drake 2-1, continues losing streak:
Evansville (4-3-0, 0-1-0) and Drake (5-2-0, 1-0-0) faced off on Saturday, kickstarting MVC play for both teams. Evansville was unable to find the back of the net until the final minutes, earning their third consecutive loss despite a strong 4-0 start to the season.
Conversely, Drake has extended their winning streak to four games following the victory. Drake’s first goal came from freshman forward Preston Kipnusu in the 28’ and would stand alone until the final minutes of the match.
Junior midfielder Damian Segura would double the Bulldogs’ lead in the 86’ and Evansville’s lone goal came in the 89’ from graduate forward Sami Owusu.
NIU concedes early and late for fourth consecutive loss:
Northern Illinois (1-5-0, 0-1-0) traveled to Bowling Green (5-1-0, 1-0-0) for their first conference matchup of the season. The Huskies were looking to continue their win streak against the Falcons, defeating them twice last season.
The Huskies started the match on the back foot, conceding in the 4’ to BGSU sophomore forward Bennett Painter. NIU Sophomore goalkeeper Atahan Arslan made an impressive 18’ save, preventing the Falcons from widening their lead.
Northern Illinois entered the second half strong, leveling the scoreline in the 49’ off a Luka Vasic header, his first career goal. The game would remain square until an 86’ Painter goal solidified the Falcons’ victory.
