In spring of 2021, the Drake men’s soccer team put together their first winning season since 2015. In the first four games of this new season, senior defender Loren Altman said the Bulldogs have looked to be on their way to another winning season.

“As a team, we were patient putting the pieces together,” Altman said. “Once we did it’s been smooth sailing since.”

The wins in these first few weeks of the season featured multiple highlights, including a 2021 NCAA tournament qualifier win against Omaha. Senior midfielder Erik Fahner said this was a big win for the team.

“I’m from Omaha and we have a transfer from Omaha, so it was a personal game for a few of us,” Fahner said. “We outplayed a good team so it was a confidence boost that has us excited to keep the win streak alive.”

In the past week, however, the program has hit a bump in the road, shutting down due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the team. Assistant athletic director Ty Patton said that two matches have been cancelled, and that the non-conference portion of the season is over for the Bulldogs.

“The Drake men’s soccer team matches against Creighton and Kansas City were cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols following positive breakthrough cases on the team,” Patton said.

Senior goalkeeper Jared Brown said that even through the pause in play, he believes the team is ready to take on the next challenge.

“We had two great games lined up, which we felt confident we could win,” Brown said. “The pause giving us time away from the sport has made us all more motivated and grateful to get back out there. When we get out of this pause you can expect to see a refreshed and motivated Drake men’s soccer team.”

The team will come back in time for their first Missouri Valley Conference matchup when they host Bradley on Sept. 18.

Fahner said it is important to look ahead and focus on the next match.

“We are remaining positive and controlling the controllables, focusing on Bradley coming up next,” Fahner said.