The Beavers soccer team looks to use the momentum from the strong performance to open conference play as they take to the road for the third straight week. The Beavers’ first action of the weekend will be at the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (1-3, 0-2 NSIC) Friday Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. The long road trip will finally conclude Sunday Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. when they take on the Sioux Falls Cougars (1-4, 1-1 NSIC). 

Last Time Out 

The Beavers conquered any conference opening weekend jitters, thanks in part to junior Maddie Kindred’s two shutouts on the weekend, garnering her NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week. The Beavers first defeated the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs 2-0 behind impressive offensive talent from senior Sofia Lewis who scored both goals of the game guiding her to earn an honorable mention for NSIC Offensive Player of the Week. On Sunday, the Beavers outlasted the Huskies of St. Cloud State 1-0. The lone goal by junior and current leading scorer this season Chloe Allan in the 24th minute proved to be all that was needed for the Beaver to sneak past the Huskies on the road. 

Top Performer

This week’s top performer must go to none-other than the reigning NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week Maddie Kindred on her outstanding performance. Kindred started her weekend off by making five saves against UMD. Following her first shutout performance of the weekend, she concluded the weekend with another shutout against SCSU, this time making 10 stops in net for a grand total of 15 saves during the weekend. 

Facing the Mustangs

The Beavers currently own a six-game win streak over SMSU which has helped Minot State reach a record of 8-2 over the Mustangs since the teams started facing off. The last stand-off between SMSU and the Beavers came on Oct. 20, 2019 when the Beavers fought off a Mustang comeback in the second half thanks to two goals by Lewis and the game winner by sophomore Anabel Noches in the 69th minute to give the Beavers the W, 3-2. 

Facing the Cougars

Minot State has performed exceptionally well against USF, compiling a 10-1-1 record dating back to 2010. The Beavers had an impressive six-game winning streak over the Cougars from 2012-17. The Beavers’ last performance was no exception to the record against USF, as MSU ran away with the victory 3-1 in Minot. A goal by senior Mel van Walstijn tied the game up, with Lewis capping off the night with two more goals added on.