Mid-American Conference play opens up this weekend as BG’s women’s soccer team heads out on the road.

The Falcons (4-5) are now at the pivotal point of their still young season, as they begin to play their conference schedule. BG is set to play 11 MAC games this year and will have their first two challenges this weekend.

‘It all really starts. Now it’s real,’ coach Andy Richards said. ‘Every win is critical.’

BG comes into this weekend of games coming off a rough sweep in California last weekend. The Falcons lost both games by a 2-0 margin, yet the feeling is very positive still.

‘Strangely enough, we played good soccer,’ Richards said.

But that weekend has come to a close and a new weekend is here for Richards’ team. The goals are simple when it comes to playing MAC games: win and qualify for the MAC Tournament.

That won’t be a simple task as BG has two tough teams to face this weekend. The Falcons travel to Northern Illinois for 4 p.m. game today, to face a very physical, very direct team. From there, BG will travel to play Western Michigan with a 2 p.m. kickoff Sunday afternoon.

‘These teams always fight,’ Richards said.

The Falcons will be looking to improve upon their mistakes as well. Richards is hoping to see better offensive production than he has of late. He also wants to see a cut back in the individual mistakes.

‘Better teams will punish you for that,’ Richards said.

For the Falcons, now the time is critical to step up their game, especially with all eyes set on the MAC championship trophy.’