Northwestern University Athletics
Women's Soccer Back Home For Big Ten Play
10/5/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 4, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - After a weekend that saw her team get shut out twice on the road, head coach Jenny Haigh figures to be happy to see the familiar surroundings of Lakeside Field this weekend.
"We've had really great crowds at home this season, which makes for an exciting atmosphere," she said. "It's also nice for our players to be able to sleep in their own beds and be in their normal routine."
The last time the Wildcats played here, they gained a tie and a last-second win. Haigh is hoping that good karma carries over to this weekend, as two more Big Ten opponents roll into town.
Northwestern hosts Illinois at 3 p.m. on Friday, and then kicks off 'Soccer Sunday' at Lakeside Field Sunday with a 1 p.m. match against Iowa. That match will be followed by the NU men, who host Western Illinois.
"We are both programs looking to build and improve, and Sunday is another step in that direction," said Haigh. "It should be a great day of soccer, and I think down the road we would love to do it more often."
Illinois (4-4-0, 2-1-0 Big Ten), like Northwestern, is coming off a pair of shutout losses from last weekend. Unlike the Wildcats, though, only one came in conference. Prior to that, the Illini defeated Michigan and Michigan State, teams that NU lost to last weekend. Overall, Illinois has 16 goals in eight matches this season, compared to just five by Northwestern.
"I expect a pretty wide open, back-and-forth game with Illinois," said Haigh. "They were shut out twice last weekend but still created great chances, and they are dangerous attacking teams.
"However, rather than focus on defending their attack, our approach will be to attack them. We want to get the ball in their end and force the play."
Iowa (4-5-0, 2-1-0 Big Ten), on the other hand, won a pair of matches last weekend, defeating cross-state rival Iowa State and Minnesota. In addition, the Hawkeyes boast a win over Michigan State.
"Iowa is in a position like we are," said Haigh. "They've had a few nice wins and some tough losses. I think Sunday's game will be very interesting."
