What's on Tap: The MSU soccer team opens the season with two nonconference games this week. Thursday, the Mavericks face the Vikings of Augustana at the pitch in Mankato at  4 p.m. Sunday, Minnesota State welcomes the defending NCAA National Champions Grand Valley State at 12 p.m., to the Pitch at Gage Towers in Mankato.

A Brief  Overview of the Mavericks: The tradition of winning has always been the story with MSU soccer and this year looks no different. The Mavericks return 28 of their 40 goals from last season as the squad loses just four seniors from a year ago. Nine newcomers join the tradition of a program that has posted 13 straight winning seasons, including an 11-8-1 record a year ago. The Mavericks return eight of its 11 starters from last season, while acquiring two junior transfers. Nine freshmen are welcomed to the team as eight non-starters from last season return to the pitch.

About Augustana: The Vikings return 13 of its 22 goals from last season, including its top three scorers. Augustana posted a 8-9-2 record in 2010 as 15 of the 19 games were decided by one goal or less. The Vikings played in six overtime games last season, but was unable to score a goal in the extra time, earning a 0-4-2 record past 90 minutes of play. Augustana averaged 7.32 shots on goal per game.

Sophomore Maren Werth returns this season after she scored four goals and tallied three assists with a team-leading 39 shots in 2010. Senior midfielder Stacy Dally scored four goals on her 12 shots on goal. Goalkeeper Amanda Wagner held a 1.05 goals against average and a .852 save percentage. Head coach Brandon Barkus is in his sixth year as coach of the Vikings.

MSU/Augustana History: The series dates back to 2000 as Minnesota State holds a 12-2 record against Augustana. MSU has won four of the past five games the schools have played. Last Season, the Mavericks beat the Vikings 2-0 as Minnesota State player's Cassie Weik and Courtney Vallarelli scored goals in the NSIC game. The Mavericks have outscored the Vikings 56-8 and own nine shutout victories over Augustana. 

About Grand Valley State: The top-ranked, back-to-back national champion Lakers are coming off a 22-1-2 record in 2010. GVSU scored 92 goals, giving up just five goals in its 25 games last season. Besides averaging 3.68 goals per game last season, Grand Valley booted 24.8 shots per game. GVSU didn't give up a goal in the postseason last year (GLIAC tournament or the NCAA tournament). 

The Lakers return its top two leading scorers for 2011, including junior forward Kayla Addison who had 20 goals and nine assists. Senior Erin Mruz notched 13 goals and 13 assists. Junior Ashley Botts had 14 goals and eight assists in her 19 games played. Junior goalkeeper Chelsea Parise returns after a .938 save percentage and a 0.21 goals against.  2011 NSCAA Coach of the Year, Dave Dilanni, owns a 157-15-10 record at Grand Valley. 

MSU/Grand Valley History: The two teams have met just once on the soccer field. The Lakers beat MSU 4-0 early last season, in Allendale, Mich. GVSU Junior forward Kayla Addison rifled two goals past the MSU goalkeeper. 

Program History: The 2011 season marks the 17th year of women’s soccer as a varsity sport at Minnesota State. The Mavericks defeated Winona State in the 2008 NSIC Championship game, earning them them the title of conference champions. The Mavericks currently hold a 190-102-17 (.650) all-time record and captured NCC regular-season crowns in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2007.  MSU has made a post-season appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. 

Seniors, Seniors:Three seniors lead the pack in 2011 as senior captain Sarah Schellinger returns with 59 games, three goals and three assists in her career at forward. Marissa Santana solidifies the defense as she played in all 20 games last season as she returns for final season in purple and gold, while senior goalkeeper Briana Hendricks rounds off the senior class.

Juniors' Offensive Boost: 22 of the 28 goals returning this season are from the junior class. Forward  Brittany Henry netted 12 goals and forward Nicole Dooher put away seven goals as they team up on attack for 19 goals together. Midfielder Cassie Weik, midfielder Brianne West and defender Lianna Morrow each scored one goal last season. 


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