UMKC to Closeout Home Schedule Against North Dakota State and South Dakota State
10/20/2011 4:08:00 PM | Women's Soccer
This weekend, the 'Roos will be tested heavily beginning with North Dakota State (13-2-1, 6-0 SL) on Friday at 7:00 P.M. and South Dakota State (9-5-2, 5-0-1 SL) on Sunday at 1:00 P.M. Currently, all the three squads are ranked atop of the Summit League standings.
Scouting the Opponent
North Dakota State Bison: 13-2-1, (6-0 SL) as of 10/20
Coming into Friday night's contest, the Bison are just as hot as UMKC as they've won six straight while out-scoring their opponents 12-1. Also, they lead the conference in goals scored with 34.
If North Dakota State beats UMKC, it will clinch a spot in the Summit League Tournament.
Players to Watch
The Bison squad this year has presented a very balanced attack as 13 different players have scored at least once, compared to six for UMKC.
In addition, five different Bison players have earned Summit League Player of the Week awards (three offensive and two defensive) this season.
Midfielder Morgan DeMike and forward Katie Tallas are tied for the team leader in goals (5). Also, DeMike received the number one overall ranking in the Top 20 Summit League Rankings list compiled by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
In the net, senior keeper Kalani Bertsch has given up 13 goals (0.84 goals-per-game) along with eight shutouts.
The Head Coach
In his ninth season, Pete Cuadrado is the most successful coach in the program's history with a 91-60-17 record. Last season, he led the Bison to its first Summit League tournament title and NCAA tournament appearance.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits: 9-5-2, (5-0-1 SL) as of 10/20
In six Summit League games, the Jackrabbits have out-scored their opponents 8-0. On the year, South Dakota has not given up more than three goals in a single contest this season.
Players to Watch
Senior forward's Kayla Braffet and Kelsey Ferguson is tied for the team leader in goals (4). Braffet also leads the team in assists (4) and points (12).
In the net, senior keeper Kat Donovan has given up 14 goals (0.85 goals-per-game) along with a Summit League-high nine shutouts. Donovan also earned Summit League Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week Seven.
The Head Coach
In his 12th season at the helm, Lang Wedemeyer is the only coach in the program's history and holds a 109-87-26 record. Last season, he coached the Jackrabbits to its fourth straight Top-3 finish in the Summit League Standings.
The Series
North Dakota State Bison: The Kangaroos are 0-1-1 all-time against the Bison.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits: The Kangaroos are 0-2 all-time against the Jackrabbits.
What to Watch For
Two Seniors Say Goodbye
In what will be the final home game as a UMKC Kangaroo, senior's Amanda Casalinuovo and Laura Creason will look to go out with a win over South Dakota State on Sunday.
In three years, Casalinuovo has appeared in 49 games, recording a goal and an assist each for a total of three points. Her lone goal came as a game-winner against Eastern Illinois on Sept. 12, 2010.
As for Creason, she has appeared in 48 games, scoring two goal for a total of four points. Her lone two goals have come as game-winners this season. Against Florida International, Creason scored in overtime to give UMKC its first victory of the season.
Her second came against South Dakota to propel UMKC to its sixth-straight win.
Two is the Magic Number
If the 'Roos win two of their next four games, it will solidify them a spot in the Summit League Tournament for the first time in school history.
After this weekend, the 'Roos will end their season with two road games against Oral Roberts and Southern Utah. Currently, both have a combined Summit League record of 3-7.
Three 'Roos Make TopDrawerSoccer.com's Top 20 Player Summit League Rankings List
Thursday morning, forward Taylor Bare, midfielder Ashley Gann, and defender Sarah Todd were named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com's Top 20 Player Summit League Rankings list.
Bare led the way with her second overall ranking, while Gann ranked 17th and Todd 19th.
