High-level regional play continues for the Northwest Missouri State soccer team this weekend as the Bearcats travel to No. 18 Central Missouri on Friday. Northwest will also host No. 13 Missouri Western on Sunday at Bearcat Pitch.  
 
Friday, September 17
Northwest Missouri State at No. 18 Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri | 7 p.m.
Watch | Live Stats
 
Sunday, September 19
Northwest Missouri State vs. No. 13 Missouri Western
Maryville, Missouri | Bearcat Pitch | 1 p.m.
Watch | Live Stats
 
Last weekend the Bearcats took two losses from No. 2 Grand Valley State and Minnesota State. However, there were bright spots as the Bearcats scored two goals against Grand Valley, their first goals allowed in a match this season, and came up just short against Minnesota State in a 1-0 heartbreaker.
 
USCAA Regional Rankings – September 14
Despite dropping to 2-2 on the season, Northwest is still ranked No. 10 in the latest USCAA Central Region rankings.
 
Central Region – Poll 2
Rank    School                                                 Prev.    W-L-T
1          Emporia State                                        2         4-0-0
2          Missouri Western                                   4         3-0-1
3          Central Missouri                                     1         3-1-0
4          Minnesota State-Mankato                      5         2-2-0
5          Rogers State                                        10         4-0-0
6          Washburn                                              8          3-0-0
7          Bemidji State                                       NR         4-0-0
8          Ouachita Baptist                                  NR         2-1-1
9          Northwestern Oklahoma State            NR         3-2-0
10        Northwest Missouri State                      9          2-2-0
 
A Look Around the MIAA
The Bearcats continue to hold high ranks in statistical categories in the conference, including shots on goal, points, goals, assists, and saves. Northwest is second in shots on goal (37), second in saves (21), tied for third in assists (6), tied for fourth in goals (8), and fourth in total points (22).
 
Junior forward Teagan Blackburn has started off the year strong, scoring three goals (T-3^rd) and tallying seven total points (T-4^th) to lead Northwest. Blackburn has eight career goals and 18 career points. She is just two goals away from being featured on Northwest's all-time career goals leaders.
 
Redshirt freshman Ashley Williams and senior Alexis Serna Castillo have both played strong roles in goal for the Bearcats. Williams is tied for fifth in the MIAA for shutouts (1) and saves per game (4.33) while Serna Castillo is third in save percentage (88.9%).
 
Junior forward Kaylie Rock is another Bearcat featured on the MIAA statistical leaders page, tied for seventh in shots (14) through four games. Rock has recorded six shots on goal this season and has posted 42.9% shot on goal percentage this season.
 
Redshirt freshman Hannah Stirling has made three starts and played in all four games in her first season at Northwest. Stirling is currently tied for fourth in the MIAA in assists (2). Stirling had an assist in a 4-2 win over Wayne State and added another in a loss to Grand Valley.
 
Northwest Missouri State was picked to finish seventh in the MIAA's preseason coaches' poll, their best pick since 2013.
 
2021 MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Central Oklahoma (8) – 116 points
2. Emporia State (3) – 110 points
3. Central Missouri (1) – 104 points
4. Northeastern State – 88 points
5. Fort Hays State – 80 points
6. Missouri Western – 72 points
7. Northwest Missouri – 59 points
8. Rogers State – 49 points
9. Washburn – 39 points
10. Missouri Southern – 32 points
11. Newman – 31 points
12. Nebraska-Kearney – 12 points
 
In the current national rankings poll from the USCAA, Missouri Western is the highest ranked MIAA member at No. 13 while Central Missouri follows at No. 18. Six MIAA teams are featured in the Central Region poll as well.
 
Northwest's best finish came in the 2009 season, finishing with an 11-8-1 record and 7-8-1 in the MIAA for a fifth-place finish in conference play.
 
Most Wins in a Season
11 – 2009
10 – 2008, 2011
9 – 2006
8 – 2012
7 – 2000, 2014, 2017