West Virginia men's soccer joining Conference USA

The West Virginia men’s soccer team has a new home. The Mountaineers are joining Conference USA as an affiliate member, starting in the 2022 season.

“Conference USA has quickly become a men’s soccer powerhouse, with so many reputable schools that have a strong tradition,” said WVU coach Dan Stratford, who just completed his first season with the Mountaineers. “Our program’s ambition is to compete with the very best in the country, and we believe that Conference USA provides us the platform to do that.”

Because the Big 12 does not sponsor men’s soccer, West Virginia has competed as an affiliate member in the MAC since 2012.

“I think it’s a great and positive move for Dan Stratford as he builds our program,” West Virginia Director of Athletics Shane Lyons said. “Nine years ago, our men’s soccer program needed a new home and the Mid-American Conference served us well. We look forward to competing in the MAC for one more year and then turning our attention to a new challenge.”

Conference USA will feature 10 men’s soccer teams, with WVU joining Charlotte, FIU, Florida Atlantic, Marshall, Old Dominion and UAB and affiliate members Coastal Carolina (starting in fall 2021), Kentucky and South Carolina.

Marshall won the NCAA championship last season.

“As we continue to build upon this year’s national championship in men’s soccer and a very deep and talented lineup of teams, we are pleased to welcome another traditionally strong program in West Virginia to enhance one of our conference’s most successful sports,” said C-USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod.

West Virginia was 6-3-1 in the spring 2021 season, including 4-3-1 in Mid-American Conference play. The Mountaineers finished No. 12 in overall RPI, conceded only six goals and posted six shutouts during the season.

The Mountaineers men’s soccer program has won five conference tournament championships and two conference regular-season titles.

West Virginia has made 14 appearances in the NCAA Tournament all-time with WVU’s last appearance in 2019 when the squad won the MAC Tournament to secure an automatic bid.