What's on Tap: No. 13 Minnesota State soccer hits the road for a two-game Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference road trip this weekend. Minnesota State faces University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., on Saturday at noon and Minot State in Minot, N.D., on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Looking Back at Last Week: Minnesota State (12-1-1, 10-0-1 NSIC) defeated Northern State 4-0 on Saturday and MSU Moorhead 3-0 on Sunday at The Pitch to remain undefeated in NSIC play.
Witnessing Greatness: With its shutouts of Northern State and MSU Moorhead, Minnesota State has achieved the longest shutout streak in program history with 11 consecutive shutouts. The Mavericks, whose shutout streak is tied for the seventh longest in NCAA DII women's soccer history, have not allowed a goal in over 1,000 consecutive minutes of play — dating back to a match at then-No. 14 ranked Grand Valley State on Sept. 10. Minnesota State has yet to allow a goal in NSIC play.
One of the Best Defensive Teams in NCAA DII: With its two shutouts last week, the Mavericks have recorded shutouts in 13-of-14 matches this season. Minnesota State enters the week leading NCAA DII women's soccer in goals against average (0.140) and shutout percentage (.929), while ranking second in save percentage (.956). The Mavericks are outshooting the opposition 365-95 on the season, including a 170-45 edge in shots on goal.
Balanced Attack: Thirteen different student-athletes have scored for the Mavericks in 2017, including nine multi-goal scorers. Four Mavericks lead the way with four goals each. They are: junior forward Julia Zach, senior midfielder Jenny Hoerter, junior forward Lauren Kizlik and senior midfielder Lexi Pszanka — the team leader in game-winning goals with four. Senior defender Abby Nordeen scored her first goal of the season — a game winner — against Northern State on Saturday at The Pitch.
Playmaker: Sophomore midfielder Alesha Duccini leads the Mavericks with four assists on the season.
In Goal: Last week, junior goalkeeper Taylor Livermore (7-0-0) and sophomore goalkeeper Ryann Rydeen (5-0-1) garnered their seventh and sixth shutouts of the season, respectively.
NSIC: Minnesota State is in first place in the NSIC with a 10-0-1 conference record and 31 points, ahead of second place Bemidji State, which has 29 points.
Regional Rankings: Minnesota State was ranked third in the first NCAA DII Women's Soccer Central Region Rankings of 2017. For more on the regional rankings, click here.
Scouting U-Mary: The Marauders (8-3-2, 6-3-2 NSIC) are 3-1-1 in their last five matches, including a 2-1 loss at Winona State on Saturday and a 2-0 win at Upper Iowa on Sunday.
Jade Smith and Megan Lowery are tied for the team lead with six goals each, while Caylin Cathey has added five of her own.
Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Marauders 4-3 in a regular-season match at The Pitch.
Scouting Minot State: The Beavers (9-4-1, 8-3-0 NSIC) enter the week on a six-match winning streak, including a pair of victories last weekend — 3-1 at Upper Iowa on Saturday and 4-1 at Winona State on Sunday. Minot State will face Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday before facing Minnesota State on Sunday.
Sofia Lewis leads the Beavers in goals (10) and points (24). Haley Berryman and Jordyn Cook have added six and five goals, respectively.
Last season, the Mavericks and the Beavers played to a 1-1 draw in a regular-season match at The Pitch.
Looking Ahead: The Mavericks wrap up their regular season with matches at Upper Iowa on Oct. 27 and at home against Winona State on Oct. 29.
Watch the first episode of Soccer Round Table below.
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