Sept. 17, 2008

By: Bryce Weymouth, Sport Information Assistant

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - (September 17, 2008) Women’s soccer will travel to Dekalb, Ill. on Friday, September 19th to take on the Huskies of Northern Illinois University at the Huskie Track & Soccer Facility with a starting time of 4:00pm. The Redhawks should receive an extra boost as senior Casey Kraft plays her first game of the season. Kraft led the Redhawks in the preseason with three goals and eight total points. The Redhawks continue to look for there first victory of the early season and Kraft should be able to help jump start the offense.

Ashley Runion leads the Redhawks with eight total shots this season, with two of them being on goal. Jessica Beckham (0-3) recorded a career high five saves last game and leads the Redhawks in goal with 14 saves and a .778 save percentage.

Scouting the Huskies

After a 10-5-5 overall record last year, the Huskies returned 10 starters and come into Friday’s match-up with there best start since the 2004 season with a record of 3-0-3. After starting the 2008 season with three consecutive victories, the Huskies have recorded 3 consecutive ties. The Huskies have an undefeated record at home with a 2-0-1 record and haven’t allowed a goal on their home field.

The Huskies have out shot there opponents this season 97 – 46. There offensive attack is led by senior Thea Johnson who has recorded nine total points, which includes three goals and three assists. Johnson has tallied 19 total shots and two game winning goals. Fellow midfielder Becca Ford has also recorded three goals for a grand total of six points.

Defensively the Huskies are led by junior goalkeeper Lindsey Curnock who came into the season as the all-time leader at NIU with 16 career shut-outs. Curnock has allowed only three goals this season, while recording four shut-outs on her way to a 3-0-2 record. Curnock has a .857 save percentage and is allowing while recording a 0.49 goals against average.

This will be the first ever match-up between the Redhawks and the Huskies. The Redhawks will be back home on Monday to take on Evansville at Houck Stadium at 7:00pm.