The AU men’s soccer team with over 70% of the roster being freshmen and sophomores started the 2022 campaign rather inconsistently.

In the first five games of the season, the team played two conference games and fell in both contests to the Walsh Cavaliers and Findlay Oilers. In the other three out-of-conference games the Eagles went 1-1-1, making for a 1-3-1 start to the season.

The young group showed the potential to be a respected team in some games, but the inexperience showed in others.

Then came the largest win streak of the season, winning nine out of their next ten games, all of which were in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. The win streak ranged from Sept. 15 – Oct. 20.

“Early on we had a very tough schedule and at some point for whatever reason through hard work by the players, and with coaches figuring things out it we just clicked,” said Head Coach Nick Roberts. 

The young group has played well as of late, but know the job is not finished for the season quite. Sophomore goalkeeper for the Eagles, Ty Bowden, has posted a 1.43 goals against average and four shutouts this season but knows there is always room for improvement.

“I have achieved some of my personal goals but there is always room for improvement, and I feel that we can achieve more before the end of the season,” said Bowden.

On the offensive side of things, junior midfielder Matt Roberts has led the Eagles to score three or more goals in six out of the last eight games, including three goals for himself during that span.

“I’ve done my best for the team every game and luckily most of the time the results have followed which is the important thing,” said Roberts. “We are just taking each game as it comes and working hard behind the scenes,” he continued.

The Eagles have just two games left before the postseason. The next game comes with the second matchup of the season with the Findlay Oilers on Saturday, Oct. 22. 

In the most recent super-region, 3 regional rankings poll the Eagles were picked as a potential Division II postseason qualifier. If the Eagles do end up qualifying after the two regular season games left, playoff action would begin on Oct. 29.