New chapter for DC men’s soccer takes shape with 2024 schedule
DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College men's soccer will play 19 games in the program's 35th season this fall, the DC Athletic Department announced on Tuesday.
Led by first-year head coach Htut Zar and playing the team's first season at the NAIA level since 1989, the Yellow Jackets will play eight home contests in its search for a fourth conference tournament berth in five seasons.
Beginning with a varsity scrimmage against Indiana University East on August 17, the regular-season slate kicks off with a pair of road contests against members of the Crossroads League. The Jackets travel to Taylor University on August 21 followed by an August 27 contest at Saint Francis in Fort Wayne. Defiance's home opener is scheduled for August 30 with Division III Adrian at Winsper-Knobel Field.
Defiance's introduction to the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference starts with a September 14 match at Cleary University to start a run of 12 conference matches finishing the regular season. Out of the 12 WHAC opponents, Defiance will have seven first-time meetings this season against Madonna, Aquinas, UNOH, Lawrence Tech, UM-Dearborn, Cornerstone, and Lourdes. The program has squared off against Cleary, Indiana Tech, Concordia, Rochester, and Siena Heights at least once in program history with Concordia (18 previous matches) and Indiana Tech (12 matches) having the most previous experience against DC.
DC also retained multiple familiar non-conference opponents for the 2024 version of the men's soccer schedule. Adrian's visit will be the third straight season and 18th overall meeting. MIAA members Alma and Olivet will also be on the docket after meeting the Jackets over the last two seasons. Defiance travels to Heidelberg on September 7 for the 19th matchup all-time between the programs. Another familiar program will be on the schedule for the first time since 1993 when DC travels to Mount Vernon Nazarene, which will be a homecoming visit for Coach Zar after spending the previous five seasons with the Cougars.
Standard start times for home games are 3:30 p.m. All game times are subject to change.
2024 Defiance Men's Soccer Schedule
Aug. 21 at Taylor, 7 p.m.
Aug. 27 at Saint Francis (Ind.), 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 vs. Adrian, 4 p.m.
Sept. 1 at Olivet, 1 p.m.
Sept. 4 at Mt. Vernon Nazarene, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 at Heidelberg, 1 p.m.
Sept. 11 vs. Alma, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 at Cleary, 7 p.m.*
Sept. 18 vs. Indiana Tech, 3:30 p.m.*
Sept. 25 at Madonna, TBD*
Sept. 28 vs. Aquinas, 3:30 p.m.*
Oct. 2 at UNOH, TBD*
Oct. 5 at Lawrence Tech, TBD*
Oct. 9 vs. Concordia (Mich.), 3:30 p.m.*
Oct. 12 vs. UM-Dearborn, 3:30 p.m.*
Oct. 19 at Cornerstone, TBD*
Oct. 23 at Rochester Christian, TBD*
Oct. 26 vs. Siena Heights, 3:30 p.m.*
Oct. 30 vs. Lourdes, 3:30 p.m.*
*Denotes WHAC game
Quoting Head Coach Htut Zar
"We eagerly anticipate the challenge of facing new opponents from the esteemed soccer programs in the WHAC. With experience in an affiliated league, I am well-versed in the high-press, possession-based attacking styles of some member teams. We will kick off the 2024 season with a home scrimmage against Indiana University East, followed by consecutive away games against two Crossroads League teams: Taylor University and Saint Francis University. We will be squaring off against both familiar and unfamiliar opponents, presenting a challenge for our coaching staff and players. We are excited to showcase our talent and dedication during these events against a highly diverse and high-level soccer competition."
Defiance College is celebrating 175 years on March 23, 2025. The 175th Anniversary Campaign is currently underway. Click here to find out more or to give today!
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