With conference play coming into full swing, the men's soccer team looks well prepared to make a run at the Mid-American Conference title, but that doesn't mean they're going take it easy anytime soon.
"When you start MAC play everything is going to be close," said head coach John Astudillo. "Every ball is going to be a battle and every tackle is going to have to be one of those things you're going to have do to win."
Going into MAC play, the Bulls (7-3-1) have the best record in the conference. Right behind them is their stiffest competition, the Akron Zips, with an overall record of 6-2-1. In those nine games, the Zips have a conference-leading 15 goals
"Akron is always going to be the biggest hurdle in the MAC," Astudillo said. "In order to get to the NCAA (Championships), you have to go through Akron, Ohio. There is no question about it."
Although Akron is among the elite of the conference, there is no shortage of tough competition. Hartwick, in their first year of play in the MAC, is a team that could give the Bulls a run for their money. The Hawks are tied for third in the conference in goals. Hartwick also averages just one goal allowed per game, with four shutouts in just eight games.
"They play such a balanced style that you better be ready on any given day to beat them," Astudillo said.
The Northern Illinois Huskies are the defending MAC Tournament Champions, but are not showing it so far this year. They have a record of 2-5-3 mainly because they have not yet been able to string together consecutive wins this season.
The Bulls and Bowling Green are the only two teams who have played conference game thus far. The squads squared off against each other on Sept. 28, with the Bulls pulling out a 3-2 victory after rallying from a one-goal deficit in the second half.
Though the Bulls have had success so far this season, Astudillo wants to ensure that the team does not think too far ahead.
"We're at the point now where we're just concentrating on one game at a time," Astudillo said.
The Bulls' next conference game comes on October 12, when they face off against the 5-5-0 Western Michigan Broncos.
Even though the competition is tough, the Bulls should be ready and look to have a good shot at capturing a title this year. They have the ability to play and thrive in close games, with two come-from-behind victories and four wins in overtime.
"If we just stay close and be patient, and keep our frustrations to a minimum and just keep playing good, keep playing good with the confidence that, in the end, we're going to be the ones that score," Astudillio said.
The Bulls will look to build on their confidence as they travel to nationally ranked St. Louis on Friday for a 7 p.m. game. They will then try to improve their conference record to a perfect 2-0 when they take the field against the Broncos next Friday night.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
