SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior men's soccer team was selected to win the eighth straight Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) championship in 2024, as the conference released its preseason poll and preview in an announcement Monday.
The Yellowjackets garnered a UMAC best 48 points, including six-of-eight first place votes. Bethany Lutheran finished in second with 44 points, as well as the final two first place votes.
UW-Superior welcomes eight newcomers to the program in the 2024 campaign while returning a large portion of upperclassmen, including seniors
Josh Bellamy (High Wycombe, England/FAB Football Academy) and
Felipe Oliveira (Belo Horizonte, Brazil/Colegio Soma), along with junior
Jake Kidd (Superior, Wis./Superior).
Bellamy is coming off a junior season where his offensive numbers shined. Starting 21-of-22 matches played on the Yellowjacket backline, he finished with a team-second ten goals and a team-leading nine assists for 29 points. Bellamy's name is seen in all major statistical categories across the circuit, as he ended 2023 with another All-UMAC First Team selection and another citation to the United Soccer Coaches Region IX squad.
Oliveira enters his senior season in 2024. His debut campaign with the Yellowjackets earned him spots on the All-UMAC First Team and the United Soccer Coaches Region IX Third Team. He was one of three players to see action in all 23 matches, carding 1,393 minutes on the pitch. Oliveira's 13 points accounted for five goals and three assists, while he took 55 total shots with 32 on target.
After securing rookie of the year honors from the UMAC, Kidd displayed another strong effort in 2023. Transitioning to a full-time starter, he received a first team citation after ending his sophomore season leading the 'Jackets in goals (13), total points (30), total shots (59), shooting percentage (.220), and game-winning goals (three).
Northwestern finished third in the preseason poll with 33 points before Crown tallied 30 points for fourth. North Central (25) and Northland (21) follow in fifth and sixth place, respectively, before Minnesota Morris (14) and Martin Luther (nine) round out the conference.
The Yellowjackets begin regular season action Friday as they take on Augsburg. The opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Edor Nelson Field.
