Women’s Soccer Preview: Northern Illinois
After a forgettable two-win season in 2012, the University of South Dakota women’s soccer team is looking to turn things around.
After matching their win total from last year, the Coyotes (2-1-1) have already earned wins against Wyoming and Colorado Springs, and will be fighting for a third win against Northern Illinois Friday.
Coach Mandy Green said the team wants to keep from getting complacent after their early success.
“It was great to get two wins last weekend, but one of our mottos this season is just to get better every day. So it’s a great opportunity to build on what we’ve already been doing and keep getting better.”
Northern Illinois’ offense had been rather strong thus far, scoring 10 goals over the past four games. Their opponents are averaging 1.67 goals per game and attempting approximately nine shots a game.
Green said the team attempt to stop the Huskies’ high-octane attack by remaining aggressive at the offensive end.
“The best way to control their offense is by establishing our own offense. We need to get them to chase us. And if we have the ball, then they don’t, which means they can’t score.”
The Coyotes’ first victory came against Wyoming Aug. 30 came in overtime 2-1 off a late goal by first-year Jamie Karch, her first collegiate goal.
Karch cashed in another goal during USD’s 3-0 shutout against Colorado-Colorado Springs Sunday, the team’s first shutout of the season and third in junior goalkeeper Mackenzie Viktor’s career.
Coach Green praised Karch’s physical attributes and quick learning curve.
“She is fast,” Green said. “It’s great to have the option of getting the ball in behind. She can physically out run anybody. She’s learning the position and she’s learning everything. But she’s been able to take everything we throw at her.”
Karch said she was glad to get playing time on the road but has shifted her focus to Northern Illinois.
“We were able to win in overtime against Wyoming and I think we controlled the game so if we play like that then we’ll have a good chance at a win against the Huskies,” she said.
Kickoff will be at 3 p.m. Friday in Brookings.
