'Roos at Home Tonight, then Hit the Road Sunday
9/8/2011 1:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Kansas City, Mo. -- Over Labor Day weekend, the UMKC women's soccer team hit the road for a two-game road trip in the state of Florida to face Florida International and Florida Atlantic.
Friday night against FIU, the 'Roos came away with their first victory of the season in thrilling fashion as senior midfielder Laura Creason's sudden death goal gave UMKC the 3-2 win. The three goals against FIU set a single-game scoring record for UMKC. On Sunday, UMKC traveled up the road to face FAU, but fell 4-0.
This week, the 'Roos will return home tonight to face Drake and then travel across state to face St. Louis University on Sunday.
Scouting the Opponent
Drake Bulldogs (2-3-1 as of 9/8)
The Bulldogs enter Thursday's match-up trying to end a two-game skid, after back-to-back losses to Summit League members, South Dakota State and Western Illinois, in the first of five straight games away from home.
In four games, junior midfielder Tara Zika leads the team in points (4) and goals (2). In six games, sophomore goalkeeper Kalena Litch has accumulated 43 saves and a 1.09 goals per-game average after tying a school record by notching nine shutouts a season ago.
Head coach Lindsey Horner is in her fourth season at Drake where she has posted a record of 27-25-7. Before getting the head coaching position, Horner served as an assistant on the Bulldogs staff for five seasons.
Saint Louis Billikens (1-4 as of 9/8)
Since their opening victory over Evansville, the Billikens have dropped four straight, all coming on the road. In those four games, SLU scored just two goals, both coming in their last loss against Loyola (MD). During the four game stretch, Saint Louis has been out-scored, 14-2 by their opponents.
Sophomore forward Jenny Hummert is the team's leading scorer with two goals and four points. In goal, junior keeper Katie Walsh is giving up an average of 2.80 goals-per-game so far this season.
In his 16th season, head coach Tim Champion has notched a 171-97-36 record, including two NCAA Tournament appearances and two Atlantic 10 Conference Championship titles. Champion has also won three regular-season conference crowns during his tenure at Saint Louis.
The Series
Drake: The 'Roos are 0-2 all-time against the Bulldogs.
Saint Louis: First meeting
Finding an Offensive Spark
Before last Friday's game against Florida International, the 'Roos managed to score one goal on the season by way of Taylor Bare against Youngstown State on Aug. 21.
However, in their win against FIU, UMKC set a school-record with three goals scored in a single game.
'Roos Still Looking for a Win at DSSRF
After their first three home games, UMKC is still searching for their first home victory. With Drake (2-3-1) team visiting Kansas City Thursday night, the 'Roos will look to nab their first home win of the season.
Not Home for Long
After their matchup against Drake at the DSSRF, the 'Roos will hit the road for a three-game road trip beginning with Saint Louis on Sunday. After that, UMKC will stay in-state to face Missouri State on Sept. 16, followed by Missouri on Sept. 18.
Click here for live stats and here for live video feed vs. Drake. (Subscribers only for live video feed)
Click here for live stats vs. Saint Louis.
*Note: Thursday's home game will be the women's soccer Blue and Gold Game. All UMKC's Student-Athletes will be in attendance, wearing their Blue and Gold t-shirts.
