The Falcon women’s soccer team gets set for another two game weekend, hoping to at least get back to .500.
BG comes into the weekend with a 1-2 record, and plays their first of two games Friday afternoon in the Motor City at 4 p.m. game against Detroit.
‘Detroit’s not going be an easy team by any stretch, but they’re not Michigan State,’ said coach Andy Richards.
The coach was alluding to the Big Ten powerhouse the team lost to last Sunday, when they were ousted 4-0. As for Detroit, BG hasn’t faced them in a while, so it will be a relatively new and unknown challenge for the team.
One thing that will even the playing field from the two teams last meeting is that Detroit has made the switch from playing on grass to turf.
Richards is optimistic about the game, and Sunday’s home game against Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne.
‘The history of the program has been successful on the road,’ Richards said.
As for the home game against IPFW, Richards feels it is extremely important to keep winning at home to build confidence and intimidate Mid-American Conference opponents later in the season with an outstanding home record.
‘Teams will look and say BG is a tough place to win,’ Richards said.
The Falcons beat IPFW last year 4-0 and look to win again this year.
‘(We need to) stamp our authority on it early,’ Richards said.
One thing is certain is the mindset coming into the weekend’s games. Last weekend the Falcons won their home opener against Indiana State before losing to Michigan State.
‘We have to battle more in every game,’ he said.
Richards was disappointed with the way the team competed against the two premier teams they have played so far, mentioning they need to kick up their spirits more to match their talent. Despite the two losses to major conference teams, he was actually a harsher critic after the win over Indiana State, saying they should have won by much more.
But now it’s time for BG to move on and get ready for Detroit and IPFW. For Richards the goal is simple: ‘To win both.’
Today’s game will start at 4 p.m. and Sunday’s is at 1 p.m. in Cochrane Stadium.
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