KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The No.4 seed Western Michigan University men's soccer team begins its quest to defend its Missouri Valley Tournament title on Sunday, November 10, at 11:00 AM. The Brown and Gold will host the No.5 seed University of Evansville in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Quarterfinal round on ESPN+. For tickets, visit https://wmubroncos.evenue.net/events/SOC.
Last Time Out
The men's soccer team concluded the regular season with a 2-1 Senior Day victory over University of Illinois Chicago. In the win, sophomore Noah James scored in the 39th minute to give the Brown and Gold a 1-0 lead heading into the half. After UIC responded with a second-half goal in the 75th minute, defender Christian Shannon scored the game-winner in the 81st minute to propel The Brown and Gold to their 11th win of the year. With Shannon's goal, midfielder Owen Smith set the single-season program record for assists in a single season with 14 and counting.
WMU's Home Unbeaten Streak
WMU enters the match with 23 consecutive games without a loss at WMU Soccer Complex dating back to October 22, 2022. The Brown and Gold boast a record of 19-0-4 in their last 23 games in Kalamazoo.
Scouting The Purple Aces
Evansville enters the MVC Tournament with an overall record of 8-6-3 (4-3-1 in MVC) after closing the regular season with four wins, one tie, and one loss. Leading the Purple Aces in the final third is senior Nacho Diaz Barragan. In 17 appearances (17 starts) the forward paces Evansville with eight goals (two game-winners) and 18 points. Diaz's goals, assists, and point total are all career highs for the forward.
Defensively, Evansville captured four shutouts during the regular season and allowed 28 total goals. In the final third, UE scored a total of 28 goals to even their goal differential at zero. Entering postseason play, The Purple Aces continued their trend offensively and defensively and had a near-even goal differential in their final seven games, after outscoring opponents 13-12.
Series History
Evansville leads WMU 5-1-2 in the overall series dating back to 1979. Since joining the MVC in 2023, The Brown and Gold have earned one win and one tie against the Purple Aces. Last year, WMU tied The Purple Aces on the road 2-2 behind men's soccer alumni Dylan Sing's go-ahead goal in the 84th minute. This season on Sunday, September 22, WMU defeated Evansville at WMU Soccer Complex 2-1. In the win, Roni Sylejmani and Carson Hodgson supplied the two goals for the men's soccer team.
On The Horizon
With a win over Evansville, The Brown and Gold will take on either No.1 seed Missouri State University or No.2 seed Drake University on Wednesday, November 13 in the semifinal round. The highest remaining seed will play Drake and the lowest remaining seed will take on Missouri State. Both games are available on ESPN+.
For all things WMU men's soccer, follow the team on Instagram, @wmu_menssoccer, X, @WMUMensSoccer, and Facebook, @wmumenssoccer.
