The BGSU women’s soccer team posted a 4-4 record in non-conference play, but their true test will come this weekend when they begin Mid-American Conference competition.
BG coach Andy Richards has watched his team progress through the early season and said the team’s record is not necessarily reflective of its talent.
“We think realistically, we should be perhaps 5-3,” Richards said. “Oakland, Michigan State, Indiana – those are some very good teams we lost to.”
While the Falcons have faced stiff competition thus far, nothing compares to the high stakes competition they will face within the league.
“MAC play is always incredibly competitive,” Richards said. “There’s always a surprise around the corner from someone. It is a different atmosphere. The returning players will know that.”
The squad will travel to play Northern Illinois on Friday before playing at Western Michigan on Sunday. Both the Huskies and Broncos should challenge BG.
“Northern Illinois will be very good,” Richards said. “They’ve got a new coach there so that will bring some excitement.”
The Huskies are 2-3-2 overall after playing Illinois State to a 1-1 tie last weekend. Sophomore Karen Enockson leads first-year head coach Marci Miller’s squad in scoring with two goals. Five other Huskies have one goal each.
Western Michigan has developed a competitive history with the Falcons, in both the regular season and the post-season. The squads have traded upset wins in the MAC tournament in recent years. Richards described matches against the Broncos as “battles.”
“It’s going to have a bit of spice to it,” he said.
The Broncos are 2-4-1 after last weekend, which included a 5-3 loss to Michigan and a 1-0 win over the same Michigan State squad that bested the Falcons 1-0 earlier this season. Senior forward Stephanie Johnson leads the Broncos offensively with three goals this season.
For the Falcons, Samantha Meister leads the team with four goals on the season. She is tied for first in the MAC for points with 10. Anchoring the defense is keeper Ali Shingler, who has been solid in goal all season.
Richards is considering moving some of his players into different positions to give the squad a new look this week. He says that the team’s competitive spirit may be the most valuable asset they bring to this weekend.
