St. Louis, Missouri – The defending Missouri Valley Conference champions Western Michigan men's soccer team are projected to finish second in the MVC in 2024, the league office announced Monday. The Brown and Gold received 72 points behind an MVC-leading four first-place votes. 

The Poll: Missouri State (74 points, 3 FPV), WMU (72 points, 4 FPV), UIC (69 points, 2 FPV), Bowling Green (51 points), Belmont (41 points), Northern Illinois (31 points), Evansville (30 points), Drake (19 points), and Bradley (18 points). 

Last season, the Brown and Gold captured 17 wins, one loss, and four ties on the year, en route to advancing to the Sweet Sixteen for a second consecutive season. 2023 marked the third time as a program that the men's soccer team would reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament. During the regular season and MVC Tournament, WMU secured an unblemished record against conference opponents with nine wins and one tie. 

The men's soccer team features an experienced group of 21 student-athletes with redshirt sophomore eligibility and higher, including junior Carson Hodgson, who was named to the MVC Men's Soccer Preseason All-Conference Team. As a sophomore, the midfielder was one of six players in the entire NCAA to score at least eight goals and add 10 assists during the 2023 campaign. Credited for his efforts on the field last year, Hodgson was also named to the United Soccer Coaches Midfielders to Watch list on Friday, August 9.
 
The Brown and Gold will open the 2024 campaign at WMU Soccer Complex on Thursday, August 22, against #14 University of Vermont at 5:30 PM. For tickets, visit https://wmubroncos.evenue.net/events/SOC.

For all things WMU men's soccer, make sure to follow the team on Instagram, @wmu_menssoccer, X, @WMUMensSoccer, and Facebook, @wmumenssoccer.