MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State, rated No. 19th in the last edition of the United Soccer Coaches' Top 25 Poll, travel to Jophlin Mo.,for two matches between Missouri Southern and Central Oklahoma. Minnesota State opens the weekend against the MSSU lions on Friday 6:00 p.m. at Hal Bodon Field. The Mavericks then take on Central Missouri at 2:00 p.m Sunday.    

Facing MSSU: The Mavericks are undefeated in three matches against the Lions dating back to August 29, 2003. In the last meeting, Allie Williams sent MSSU back to Missouri with a loss scoring in the 92nd minute. Sophomore Mallie Mathis recorded her first career point on the game-winning goal with a stunning pass to Williams to put the game away. This will be the Mavericks first game against the Lions in Jophlin, Mo., since the first matchup in 03'. 

Scouting the Lions: In 2021,the Lions finished with a 3-13-2 overall and 2-9 MIAA record that had them sitting at the 10th spot in the conference standings. Sophomore forward Ella Durocher led the Cougar's offensive presence with a team-high four goals and eight points. In goal, senior Riley Laver owned most MSSU minutes, making 14 starts for 1,222 minutes. Laver owned a .775 save percentage and a 1.66 goals-against average for a 3-11-1 record. 

Facing UCO: Minnesota State is 3-1 all-time in matches against the Bronchos dating back to November 11, 2012. The Mavericks had not clashed with UCO since its 3-1 lose in the second round of the 2018 NCAA DII Tournament. The last MSU goal against the Bronchos came from Dakota Wendell who now serves as the assistant coach and recruiting liaison for the program. 

Scouting the Bronchos: Last season, UCO finished with a 13-5-3 overall and 8-2-1 in MIAA conference play. The 2022 MIAA preseason coaches' poll has the Bronchos finishing third after placing second in 2021. Junior midfield Monika McGee established UCO offensive presence with a team-high nine goals and 19 points earning her a First Team All-MIAA selection. McGee is a main focus on the Bronchos for her ball handling abilities, physicality, and defensive awareness. In goal, senior Kaitlyn Asher owned the most OCU minutes, making 18 starts for 1,720 minutes. Asher owned a .811 save percentage and a 0.92 goals-against average for a 13-5-3 record.