PEORIA, Ill. ? Three road games versus 2004 NCAA Tournament qualifiers could be the key to Bradley's chances at earning an at-large invitation to the 2005 NCAA men's soccer tournament, based on the team's schedule announced today by head coach Jim DeRose.

Of course, winning the Missouri Valley Conference postseason tournament would mean an automatic trip to the NCAA Tournament and the Braves will have the advantage by hosting the six-team State Farm MVC Championship Nov. 9-13 at Shea Stadium.

Boasting a roster that features 20 returning lettermen, as well as six additional players who redshirted the 2004 season, Bradley will open its 2005 schedule with an exhibition game Aug. 23 at Northwestern.  The preseason contest should be a good barometer for the Braves as Northwestern went 15-6-2 last season and advanced to the second round of the 2004 NCAA Tournament.