RE: SIUE withdraws from MAC affiliation for MSOC
DI programs are looking to cut costs and college soccer is certainly a target. One easy way to cut costs is to decrease travel (which is the reason SIUe left). Travel has to be the one of the biggest budget items for any soccer program.
While there are 206 DI mens soccer programs spread amongst 24 Conferences, let’s face it, unfortunately it doesn’t capture the students, alumni, and fans attention like football or basketball.
If the MAC doesn’t move fast, there may be no MAC mens soccer. If you are looking to cut a sport, you don’t look like the bad guy, “Gee, the NCAA wouldn’t allow us to play so we had no choice but to shut down mens soccer.” It would be a shame because the MAC has a strong tradition of high quality soccer - The MAC is always one of the top 3 - 4 Men's soccer conferences in the country.
On many levels, this is very bad news for NIU.
1. Adding in a program with the same/better level of play as SIUe will be tough.
2. University of West Virginia could easily bolt as well, putting the MAC in an even worse spot. Since Big 12 doesn’t have mens soccer, the Mountaineers likely have no allegiances to MAC. They could save travel money in a Conference close to home
3. Limited, “Close” Options: Poaching a program out of the Horizon League could make geographical sense. However, it’s been a fairly cohesive conference over the past number of years. MAC and Men’s Soccer – Not so much.
Since I DO NOT want to see NIU men’s soccer go the way of Cincinnati, I have done some research on current DI programs with potential new MAC mens soccer members. Regardless of the sport, schools and Athletic Departments have to look at cost cutting strategies - Geography has to play a major part.
Here are some thoughts for new MAC mens soccer members (Listed in no order of importance). The more ideas the better!
Eastern Illinois University
PRO: Could switch out of Summit League, especially since their other sports are in Ohio Valley; Not sure on travel savings - Definite for us though!;
CON: Summit League is weak; EIU not a stellar program with limited success
MAKES SENSE: Yes: Interstate rivalries
Western Illinois University Macomb, IL
PRO: Not sure on travel savings - Definite for us though!;
CON: Summit League is weak; Not a stellar program with limited success
Makes Sense: Interstate rivalries
University of Dayton Dayton, OH
PRO: Interstate OH rivalries; Dayton/Current MAC schools overall: save on travel; Decent program/good fit
CON: A10 schools are largely private/religious - Dayton make not be OK with move?!
Makes Sense: Yes, Interstate rivalries
Lipscomb University Nashville, TN
PRO: From FL to NJ to VA, ASUN Conference schools are all over the place.
Lipscomb/Current MAC schools overall: save on travel
CON: Perception of MAC as "Great Lakes" region??
Makes Sense: Yes, Lipscomb would play better known schools with overall better competition
Belmont University Nashville, TN
PRO: Like ASUN, lots of travel for Southern Conference schools; Decent program/good fit; Belmont/Current MAC schools overall: save on travel
CON: Perception of MAC as "Great Lakes" region??
Makes Sense: Yes, Belmont would play better known schools with better competition
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SIUE withdraws from MAC affiliation for MSOC
