UMAC Game of the Week: Minnesota Morris vs. North Central - Women's Soccer
The UMAC Game of the Week runs each Wednesday during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport.
***UPDATE***
Minnesota Morris wins 5-2
The Matchup
Saturday, Sept. 29 - North Central University at the University of Minnesota Morris, women's soccer, 2 p.m. in Morris, Minnesota
What's at Stake
- Rematch - North Central earned a program-first win over Minnesota Morris on Sept. 15 by a score of 2-1. With a 12-game schedule, the Cougars have an opportunity to even the series for the season.
- Playoff push - While still early in the season, five teams head into Wednesday's contests with 1-2 records and many have yet to play one another and some will twice this season making this contest crucial for both squads in terms of final standings finish and impact on potential tiebreakers.
- Unpredicted destiny - Minnesota Morris has won just one game all season but was slated to finish third in the UMAC Preseason Coaches' Poll with 51 points. North Central was not expected to make the playoffs finishing eighth with just 13 points.
Previously in Action
- Minnesota Morris lost in UMAC play Saturday 3-1at home against Northland College. The Cougars will face Crown College Wednesday before Saturday's date with the Rams.
- North Central had a bye last weekend but last saw action on a rainy Thursday night picking up a 2-1 non-conference win against Crown. The Rams will face Northland Wednesday prior to Saturday's game.
Need to Know
- First-year fire - The Rams' rookie Payton Swoboda has been a fire for the team all season with a hand in at least on goal in five fo the team's seven games this season. She is second in the UMAC in overall points (13) and first in overall goals (8).
- Postseason pressure - The Cougars need a win against the Cougars to get back on track after starting 1-6 this year. Minnesota Morris has qualified for the UMAC postseason every year since joining the UMAC (2003).
- Opposites - The Rams rank in the top half in conference games this season for total shots per game (18) but have just a .300 save percentage showing that offensive production is their first line of defense. The Cougars, alternately, average just eight shots a game in UMAC play ranking seventh but boast a .778 save percentage which is consistent with the team's defensive style of play in recent years.
Players to Watch - Minnesota Morris
- Yu Ito, Sr., M - All-UMAC last season, UMAC Stats: 1g, 2pts.
- Brooke Lorentz, Jr., M/F - UMAC Stats: 2g, 2a, 6pts.
- Megan Tschida, So., G - UMAC Stats - .813 sv. %, 6.5 sv/g, 1.5 GAA
Players to Watch - North Central
- Anna Hartwig, So., M - UMAC Stats: 1g, 1 a, 3pts.
- Abby Schwinden, Sr.., M - UMAC Stats: 2g, 2a, 6pts.
- Payton Swoboda, Fy., M - UMAC stats: 2g, 1a, 5pts., 1 gwg - UMAC Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 3)
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2018-19 Game of the Week Archives