What Is 2019 Bradley Braves men's soccer team

Overview

The 2019 Bradley Braves men's soccer team represented Bradley University during the 2019 NCAA Division I men's soccer season. Competing in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), the team was led by head coach Jim DeRose, who was in his 21st year at the helm.

The Braves finished the season with a 7–8–3 overall record and a 4–2–1 mark in conference play, placing third in the MVC standings. Despite a competitive season, they did not earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament, falling short of national postseason qualification.

• 7–8–3 record: The team played 18 matches, winning 7, losing 8, and drawing 3, reflecting a slightly below-average performance for the season.
• Missouri Valley Conference: As members of the MVC, the Braves faced regional rivals including Missouri State, Loyola Chicago, and Evansville in conference play.
• Third-place finish: Their 4–2–1 conference record placed them third in the MVC regular season, earning a spot in the conference tournament semifinals.
• Jim DeRose: In his 21st season as head coach, DeRose emphasized player development and tactical discipline, guiding the team through a competitive schedule.
• Home games: The Braves played their home matches at Shea Stadium on Bradley’s campus in Peoria, Illinois, a venue known for its strong fan support.

Season Performance

The 2019 season showcased both offensive struggles and defensive resilience, with the team averaging just over one goal per game while maintaining a solid backline.

• 18 goals scored: Across 18 matches, the Braves managed 18 total goals, averaging exactly 1.0 goal per game, one of the lower outputs in the MVC.
• 19 goals allowed: The defense conceded 19 goals, averaging 1.06 goals against per game, showing a nearly balanced goal differential.
• Top scorer: Senior forward Kyle Zajec led the team with 5 goals, providing the most consistent offensive threat throughout the season.
• Key win: A 2–1 victory over Loyola Chicago on October 12 was pivotal in securing their third-place conference finish.
• MVC Tournament: Bradley defeated Drake 1–0 in the quarterfinals but lost 2–0 to Missouri State in the semifinals, ending their season.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2019 Bradley Braves to other MVC teams in key statistical categories:

Missouri State emerged as the MVC’s top team, earning an NCAA Tournament berth. Bradley’s third-place finish highlighted competitiveness, but lower scoring and narrow losses limited postseason success. The data shows the Braves were near the middle of the conference in most metrics, with room for improvement in offensive output.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a transitional year for Bradley, bridging experienced seniors with emerging underclassmen, setting the foundation for future competitiveness in the MVC.

• Player development: The season provided crucial experience for younger players, many of whom became starters in subsequent seasons.
• Conference parity: The close standings in the MVC demonstrated growing competitiveness, making every match critical for postseason hopes.
• Recruiting impact: Strong individual performances, like Zajec’s five goals, helped attract future talent to the program.
• Facility investment: Continued use of Shea Stadium highlighted Bradley’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality home environment.
• Coaching continuity: Jim DeRose’s long tenure provided stability, helping maintain program identity through roster changes.
• Path to NCAA: Though unsuccessful in 2019, the team’s semifinal appearance kept postseason ambitions alive for future campaigns.

While the 2019 Bradley Braves men's soccer team did not achieve national recognition, their season reflected steady program growth and competitive spirit within a challenging conference landscape.