The Missouri Valley Conference will have a new look in men's soccer in 2023 as three institutions have been added as affiliate members for next season.
Bowling Green State University, Northern Illinois University, and Western Michigan University will compete as MVC affiliate members in men's soccer effective for the 2023 campaign. The addition of three institutions lifts league membership to 10 in the sport. Notably, MVC sponsorship for men's soccer has been at 10 or more five previous seasons in league history (12 in 2000, and 10 from 2001-2004).
“The addition of these three institutions will not only enhance the student-athlete experience for all participating, but it will establish the MVC as one of the top conferences in the country for men’s soccer and strengthen its footprint in the Midwest,” says MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson.
Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan join current league members Belmont, Bradley, Drake, Evansville, UIC, Missouri State, and fellow affiliate member SIU Edwardsville as MVC programs who sponsor men's soccer. The regular-season scheduling model and tournament format for 2023 will be announced at a later date.
The MVC has sponsored men's soccer since 1991 and is conducting its 32nd postseason conference championship this weekend. Nationally ranked Missouri State will face Evansville in the title match Sunday. Notably, the MVC has four teams ranked in the latest United Soccer Coaches West Regional rankings. Missouri State is No. 3 in the region, while Belmont sits 5th, Drake 7th and Evansville 9th.
The MVC has earned multiple bids to the NCAA Soccer Championship in men's soccer 17 times, including a league-record three berths four times. Six MVC programs have reached the College Cup; and five different Conference programs have reached the quarterfinals.
The Western Michigan men’s soccer program brings a competitive resume to the Missouri Valley Conference. The Broncos have made two trips to the NCAA Tournament (2003 and 2017). Since 2015, the team has an overall record of 86-37-22, including seven wins over Power 5 schools. The Broncos have been ranked as high as 5th nationally, earned an at-large bid and the 10th seed, has had three individual NCAA statistical champions, and three players drafted in the MLS
The Northern Illinois men’s soccer program started in 1962 and the Huskies have made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament (1973, 2006, 2011 and 2021). NIU has had three players selected in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft in the last four seasons.
The 2022 season marked the 59th year of BGSU men's soccer. Eric Nichols, who recently completed his 14th season at BGSU, is just the fifth coach in the illustrious history of Falcon men's soccer. Through the 2022 season, BGSU has an all-time varsity record of 481-403-99. The Falcons have made eight appearances in the NCAA Championships. The Falcons advanced to national tournament play in both the spring and fall of 2021, advancing to the second round last fall.
About The Missouri Valley Conference -- The Missouri Valley Conference -- the nation’s second-oldest NCAA Division I conference -- continues to be a leader in college athletics and is one of the nation’s most progressive conferences, celebrating its 116th season in 2022-23. The Valley is very strong, both regionally and nationally, and the great athletic tradition of the Conference remains a compelling force in recruiting student-athletes and in marketing all the MVC programs. League members have worked together to focus on common goals and objectives, placing a high value on league harmony and student-athlete experience, while continuing to invest in athletic programs to compete at the highest level.