CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The 2026 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Men's Soccer Tournament is set to kickoff Saturday, October 31 in Dubuque, Iowa and Lincoln, Neb. after an exciting and action-packed regular season around the league. All six teams in the tournament are playing for the A-R-C's automatic qualifying bid to the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament.
For the second season in the A-R-C soccer tournaments, the bracket will be rebracketed after the first round.
The Loras College Duhawks (11-3-2 overall, 4-1-2 A-R-C) come into the conference tournament as the No. 3 seed, set to host the No. 6 seed Central College (5-6-4 overall, 1-3-3 A-R-C). The two teams met in the regular season on October 24 in Dubuque, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. The Duhawks are entering the conference tournament for the 25th time in program history while the Dutch are making their 19th appearance.
Kickoff is set from the Rock Bowl on the campus of Loras College at 5:00 p.m.
The Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves (6-8-1 overall, 3-4 A-R-C) enter the conference tournament as the No. 4 seed. The P-Wolves will play host to the No. 5 seed Simpson College (5-6-4 overall, 2-4-1 A-R-C). These two programs met on October 13 in Lincoln, Neb. and Nebraska Wesleyan earned the 3-2 victory. Nebraska Wesleyan is entering the tournament bracket for the eighth time since joining the league and the Storm are making their 24th appearance.
Kickoff is set from Abel Stadium on the campus of Nebraska Wesleyan University at 1:00 p.m.
The No. 1 seed, and regular season champions, University of Dubuque (10-4-3 overall, 6-0-1 A-R-C) will have a first-round bye and will be in action on Wednesday, November 4. The Spartans are coming off their 4th regular season conference title in program history. They will host the lowest remaining seed in the bracket in Dubuque, Iowa with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Spartans are entering the tournament for the first time since 2023 and making their 15th overall appearance.
The No. 2 seed Wartburg College (10-3-3 overall, 6-1 A-R-C) continue their success in the league qualifying for another conference tournament. The Knights have not missed a tournament since it began in 1996 and have raised the trophy at the end on seven occasions, most recently in 2024. Wartburg will host the highest remaining seed in the tournament on Wednesday, November 4 in Waverly, Iowa with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m.
Admission:
Ticket prices will be $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students without a valid A-R-C ID and seniors (60 and older). Children 5 and under, and all current students with valid A-R-C ID shall be admitted free.
Live Stream:
A live stream will be provided through the
American Rivers Sports Network.
Merchandise
Merchandise is available through the league's
Game One partnership.
First Round - Saturday, October 31
No. 5 Simpson College at No. 4 Nebraska Wesleyan University - 1:00 p.m.
No. 6 Central College at No. 3 Loras College - 5:00 p.m.
Semifinals - Wednesday, November 4
lowest remaining seed at No. 1 University of Dubuque - 7:30 p.m.
highest remaining seed at No. 2 Wartburg College - 7:00 p.m.
Championship - Saturday, November 7
Semifinal #1 Winner vs. Semifinal #2 Winner
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to eight full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. The A-R-C also includes two affiliate members for men’s and women’s swimming & diving: Illinois Tech and University of Minnesota Morris.
