The Missouri Valley Conference will add Southern Illinois Edwardsville and Central Arkansas as men’s soccer affiliates beginning with the 2010 season. Both schools are involved in transitions to Division I.

Central Arkansas is in its third season in the division, playing as an independent after spending 10 years in Division II. Southern Illinois Edwardsville is returning to Division I after 12 years in Division II with the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Men’s soccer and softball are scheduled to achieve full division membership, including postseason eligibility, in the 2010-11 season, with the rest of the department reclassified in 2012-13. With the exception of men’s soccer, the Cougars will compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Southern Illinois Edwardsville won a Division I men’s soccer championship in 1979. The program has 470 wins.

Missouri Valley Commissioner Doug Elgin said both programs will add depth to an already talented conference. “The dedication to men’s soccer on each campus is a natural fit with the tremendous support the sport receives in the Missouri Valley,” he said.