What's on Tap: No. 13 Minnesota State soccer plays a pair of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matches this weekend at The Pitch. Minnesota State faces Northern State on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., and MSU Moorhead on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Minnesota State brings a nine-match shutout streak into this weekend, which is tied for the longest shutout streak in program history that was previously achieved in 2011.
Looking Back at Last Week: Minnesota State (10-1-1, 8-0-1 NSIC) tied the program record for consecutive shutouts (9) with shut-out wins over Wayne State and Augustana over the weekend. The Mavericks defeated Wayne State 4-0 in Wayne. Neb., on Friday and Augustana 3-0 on Sunday at The Pitch.
NSIC Players of the Week: Senior midfielder Lexi Pszanka and junior defender Abby Hausken were named NSIC Soccer Players of the Week for their roles in Minnesota State's wins over Wayne State and Augustana last weekend. Pszanka was named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring the game-winning goals in both matches last week. Hausken was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week after playing 167 minutes as Minnesota State recorded two shutouts — tying the program record of nine consecutive shutouts, which was set in 2011.
One of the Best Defensive Teams in NCAA DII: With its two shutouts last week, the Mavericks have recorded shutouts in 11 out of 12 matches this season. Minnesota State enters the week ranked second nationally in three categories. They are: save percentage (.952), goals against average (.163) and shutout percentage (.917). The Mavericks are outshooting the opposition 302-90 on the season, including a 132-42 edge in shots on goal. In addition, Minnesota State has yet to allow a goal in NSIC play.
Leading Scorers: Senior midfielder Lexi Pszanka, the reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Week, leads Minnesota State in goals (4), game-winning goals (4) and points (8). Pszanka enters the week tied for eighth in NCAA DII in game-winning goals this season.
Junior forward Lauren Kizlik, senior midfielder Jenny Hoerter and junior forward Morgan Cottew are tied for second on the team with three goals each. Cottew ranks ninth in program history with 27 career goals and 10th with 67 points.
In Goal: Last week, junior goalkeeper Taylor Livermore (6-0-0) earned shut-out victories over Wayne State and Augustana. With the shutouts, Livermore has six shutouts this season and nine in her Maverick career.
NSIC: Minnesota State is 8-0-1 in nine NSIC matches this season. The Mavericks, who have yet to allow a goal in NSIC play, enter the week in a tie with No. 22 Bemidji State atop the conference standings. Each team has 25 points.
Scouting Northern State: The Wolves (4-6-1, 3-5-1 NSIC) enter the week after going 1-1-0 last week. Northern State lost to Bemidji State 3-0 at home on Friday before rebounding to defeat Minnesota Crookston 2-1 in a road match on Sunday.
Northern State, which has 10 student-athletes with one goal scored, is led in points by Shianne Rosselli and Stephany Estrada, who have four points each.
Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Wolves 2-0 during the regular season in Aberdeen, S.D., and 1-0 in the opening round of the NSIC Tournament at The Pitch.
Scouting MSU Moorhead: The Dragons (1-7-3, 1-6-2 NSIC) are winless in their last six matches entering this week. Last week, MSU Moorhead tied Minnesota Crookston 0-0 at home on Friday and lost at Bemidji State 6-1 on Friday.
Jessica Dallman leads the Dragons in goals (2) and points (6).
Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Dragons 2-0 in a regular-season match in Moorhead, Minn.
Looking Ahead: The Mavericks continue NSIC play with two home matches at University of Mary and Minot State on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, respectively.
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