Revamped soccer team no longer underdogs

The MU soccer team rolled through Big Ten opponents Northwestern and Minnesota over the weekend to advance to 4-0.

By Ryan Huber

Published Sept. 8, 2006

For the MU soccer team, it was a week of fours.

The team rolled through Big Ten opponents Northwestern and Minnesota over the weekend to advance to 4-0. With its 1-0 win over Minnesota on Sunday, the squad completed its fourth shutout in four games. The Tigers are also ranked in four national polls, as high as No. 13.

"We realize we aren't the underdogs anymore," sophomore forward Ashley Hamblin said. "I don't think we will change our mentality. We will come out ready to play whether it's home or away."

As for this weekend, sophomore goalkeeper Mallory Forst said the Tigers look to come out with the same intensity they have had all year.

"We are so glad to be home. We love the fans and our field," Forst said. "This isn't the same team as last year. We have so many people contributing from different positions, and it's more of a team effort that brings us the victories."

Friday's opponent, Northwestern State, has a 2-3 record and has several strong players that could cause trouble for the Tigers. The Demons have played one Big 12 team already, losing 1-0 to Baylor. MU's match will be followed Sunday with Loyola-Chicago, who has a 2-2 record with wins over Xavier and Valparaiso.

Forst said the rise in the opposition's talent will not affect MU's strategy.

"We aren't going to change anything," Forst said. "The game plan is still to come out playing strong and organized."