Main Story: Drake heads into its final two regular-season matches seeking its first Missouri Valley Conference win and a way to revive its postseason hopes. The Bulldogs visit Bradley on Saturday, then host UIC on Oct. 30; both opponents bring notable attacking threats.

By the Numbers
  • Drake: 4-6-4 overall; 0-3-1 in MVC play; seven-game winless streak.
  • Bradley: 2-4-6 overall; 0-3 in MVC play.
  • UIC: 4-4-4 overall; 1-0-2 in MVC play.
  • Drake’s Tomas Butkovic: 33 saves and a 0.97 goals-against average.
  • UIC has taken 225 shots, including 103 on goal, in 12 matches.
Yes, But

Drake’s recent results have been difficult, but the Bulldogs have kept matches close, including a scoreless draw with Western Michigan. Bradley has struggled in conference play, yet has scored 23 goals and beat UIC 4-2 in September. UIC, meanwhile, has the strongest MVC record of the three teams and leads Drake 6-4 in their all-time series.

State of Play
  • Drake most recently lost 3-1 to Omaha on Oct. 20; Mamadou Sow scored its goal.
  • The Bulldogs have not yet qualified for the MVC tournament, and their last two matches could affect their postseason chances.
  • The MVC championship runs Nov. 8-14, with higher seeds hosting each game.
What's Next

Drake visits Bradley Saturday, then closes its regular season at home against UIC on Oct. 30. The Bulldogs will need results—and improved finishing—to build momentum and keep their postseason hopes alive.

Bottom Line

Drake’s margin for error is shrinking: its final two games are both a chance to end the winless run and a test of whether it can turn scoring opportunities into results.