Missouri State enters the week in sole possession of first place, following a 6-0 win at Bradley over the weekend. The Bears are 3-0-0 in league play (9 pts) and sit three points ahead of Western Michigan (2-0-0, 6 pts), UIC (2-1-0, 6 pts) and Bowling Green (2-1-0, 6 pts). Belmont (1-2-0, 3 pts), Evansville (1-2-0, 3 pts) and Drake (1-2-0, 3 pts) all sit tied for fifth, while Bradley (0-2-0) and Northern Illinois (0-2-0) round out the standings.

This week’s conference slate includes four matches over the course of three days. The slate is highlighted by Missouri State hosting UIC on Sunday in Springfield.

Missouri State is riding a 21-match Valley unbeaten streak dating back to the 2020-21 season. The Bears’ last conference loss was to Loyola Chicago on April 8, 2021. In fact, since the 2019 season, Missouri State is 36-1-2 in Valley regular season matches, which is the best conference run nationally over that time period.

According to the latest RPI Update from the NCAA, the MVC continues to have six teams sitting in the Top 100 of the RPI. Missouri State sits 14th in the RPI with UIC also in good position at 17. Western Michigan continues to climb during its 9-match unbeaten streak and now sits 43rd. Bowling Green (68), Bradley (97) and Belmont (99) also sit among the Top 100. The MVC ranks 9th as a conference.

Missouri State continues to appear in all three national polls this week. The Bears sit No. 9 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 (Sept. 26), No. 8 in the College Soccer News Top 30 poll and No. 15 in the Top-Drawer Soccer Top 25. Western Michigan reentered the polls this week, following its pair of wins at Wright State and UIC last week. The Broncos sit No. 28 in this week's College Soccer News Top 30.

The MVC has four teams currently ranked in the latest United Soccer Coaches West Regional rankings (Oct. 3). Missouri State sits No. 1 in the region, while UIC sits at No. 5. Western Michigan sits No. 7 this week and Bowling Green reenters the poll at No. 9.

Western Michigan's Dylan Sing leads the NCAA with five game-winning goals this season, including two this week.  Sing was also named the College Soccer News National Player of the Week for his efforts vs. Wright State and UIC. 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:  Dylan Sing, Western Michigan
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:  Michael Peck, Missouri State

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