Preview: @UNCBearsSoccer Heads to the Dakotas for Two Games

Friday, August 31

Fargo, ND

4 PM

University of Northern Colorado

North Dakota State

Photo by: Dean Popejoy

8/29/2018 1:40:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Northern Colorado will take on North Dakota State and South Dakota this weekend

By: Matthew Kushar, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo.- Northern Colorado soccer will take their first out-of-state road trip this weekend and travel to the Dakota for two games. UNC (1-2-0) will play North Dakota State on Friday at 6 P.M., followed by a game against South Dakota on Sunday at 11 A.M.

The last time the Bears were on the pitch was almost week ago when they dropped a 2-1 game against Colorado State in Fort Collins. Maddie Roberts provide UNC's goal on a penalty kick, but the Rams managed to score twice off set pieces to earn the victory.

Roberts was nominated for Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week after winning the award last week and Maddie Barkow was nominated for Defensive Player of the Week. Idaho Junior midfielder Morgan Crosby and Southern Utah goalkeeper Brianna Aldridge won the awards this week.

Roberts has played 215 minutes for UNC, while currently leading the team in goals(2), assists(2), and points(6). Barkow has played 266 minutes so far with one goal and her two shots have both been on net.

The offense for Northern Colorado has been aggressive in creating scoring opportunities through the first three games of the season, outshooting its opponents 47 to 28, 26 to 15 with shots on goal. The Bears are averaging 1.67 goals per game and the holding opponents to the exact same figure. UNC and its opponents are also nearly equal on corner kicks, with the Bears earning 17 chances and opponents getting 16.

Taylor Bray has been one of the driving forces behind the offense, leading the team with 13 shots, with seven on target. Bray has scored one goal that ended up being the game winner against Air Force. Freshman Lexi Pulley has also made her impact on the offense for the Bears, scoring her first career goal against Colorado College and recording an assist against the Falcons.

Pulley is not the only freshman making an impact as Lindsi Jennings and Kenzie Bray have both earned starting roles on the back line for UNC. Jennings has played every minute of the three games for UNC, with Mariel Gutierrez being the only other Bear to have that stat. Kenzie Bray has started each game for the Bears, playing 202 minutes and putting her only shot of the season on goal.

Taylor Washington has been UNC's starting goalie for two of the three games this season and played the second half in the season opener. Washington has a 1-1 record as the starter, allowing 1.20 goals per game and making nine saves.

Scouting North Dakota State
The Bison return 10 starters from last season and 16 players overall, while bringing in seven newcomers. NDSU went 8-11-0 last year, finishing tied for second in the Summit League. The toughest opponent for the Bison this season has been the weather, as two of the team's first three games were canceled. NDSU defeated Green Bay 4-1 on the road, while its road game against Wisconsin and home game against Weber State were both canceled.

In the win over Green Bay, four players scored for the Bison and produced 25 shots, putting 10 on net. NDSU goalkeeper, Monica Polgar, made six saves and allowed one goal in the win.

Northern Colorado and North Dakota State played last season in Greeley, with UNC earning the 2-0 win. The Bears had goals from Erica Estes and Cara Quinn, while Madeline Burdick made four saves in the shutout victory.

Scouting South Dakota
The Coyotes return 7 starters and 17 letterwinners overall form the 2017 team that finished 4-13 and sixth in the Summit League. South Dakota has started the season with a 1-1-2 record, defeating Chicago State 3-0 and losing to Wyoming 2-4 at home. The Coyotes had a pair of ties on the road against Northern Iowa (0-0) and Eastern Washington (1-1).

Kellee Willer leads USD with two assists and is tied for the team lead with two goals. Willer has totaled 12 shots on goal this season. Parker Rytz has started each game for the Coyotes and has made 22 saves and has a 1.12 goals against average.

Northern Colorado and South Dakota last played in 2011, with the Bears winning 4-2 in a late September game in Greeley.

Following the Bears
Northern Colorado faces North Dakota State on Friday, August 31^st at 6 P.M.(MT) in Fargo, North Dakota. UNC then travels to Vermillion, South Dakota to play the University of South Dakota on Sunday, September 2^nd at 11 A.M. The Bears game against NDSU will be streamed by GoBison.com and they will also provide live stats. GoYotes.com will provide both streaming and live stats for the game against South Dakota. Follow the games live on Twitter with @UNCBearsSoccer.