SIOUX FALLS – University of Sioux Falls opens the 2014 season with a pair of home matches with teams from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association. On Friday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., the Cougars will host Nebraska-Kearney (0-0) for the 2014 season opener. Two days later, USF continues their three-match homestand with an 11 a.m. date on Sunday, Sept. 7 against Fort Hays State (0-0). Both matches will be held at the USF Sports Complex.
Season in review
The Cougars are coming off a 2-15-1 record in the 2013 season in which they posted a 2-12-1 record in NSIC competition, finishing 15th. The season was one filled with close calls and heartbreak as the Cougars played in six games decided by one goal, coming up on the wrong side in four of those games. USF saw two gut-wrenching defeats in overtime, including a 1-0 loss to Nebraska-Kearney in the 2013 season opener.
Look who's coming back
Senior Ciara Howerton headlines the offense after a three-goal, eight-point campaign that led or tied for the lead in both categories. Howerton, a native of independence, Mo., registered the game-winning goals in both of Sioux Falls' victories last season. Returning goal scorers Jordan Craig (So., Littleton, Colo.), Rachel Mata (Jr., Riverside, Calif.) and Tionne Webb (Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) each found the back of the net once last season.
In goal, the Cougars lost veteran Corrin Cook who started all 18 contests last season. Looking to fill her shoes are senior Jordin Crosby (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) and sophomore Cheyanne Carpenter (La Crescent, Minn.). Crosby played in one contest last season, recording four saves in just over 22 minutes of action.
In total, USF welcomes back 10 letterwinners from last season's squad. The 10 letterwinners totaled 75 starts last season and are experienced for the Cougars' continued improvement.
New Faces, Great Places
University of Sioux Falls head coach Mekonnen Afa welcomes six newcomers to the 2014 squad. Three Californians make the trip to Sioux Falls as midfielders Elisa Martinez (San Diego, Calif.) and Jackie Montes (Corona, Calif.) join defender Gaby Gil (Corona, Calif.) from The Golden State. Bringing more flavor from the southwest, Dreax Thomas comes from Phoenix, Ariz. looking to help the Cougar back line. A third midfielder joins the mix in Alexandria Scott from Ravensdale, Wash. The final newcomer to the squad comes by way of transfer from Northern Michigan in Lola Weiss. A forward hailing from Fulton, Mo., Weiss recorded four shots for Northern Michigan last season looks to make an impact up front for the Cougars.
Let's get it started in here
The Cougars came up short in last year's home opener with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of eventual NCAA Central Region Southwest Minnesota State. Presently, USF owns a 2-7 record in home openers.
| Date |
Opponent |
Result |
| 9/8/2004 |
Northwestern (IA) |
L, 0-4 |
| 9/3/2005 |
Presentation |
W, 7-0 |
| 8/26/2006 |
MSU Moorhead |
L, 0-2 |
| 8/24/2007 |
Bellevue (Neb.) |
L, 0-2 |
| 9/11/2009 |
McPherson |
L, 1-2 |
| 9/10/2010 |
Benedictine |
L, 0-2 |
| 9/14/2011 |
Mount Marty |
W, 6-1 |
| 8/30/2012 |
Augustana |
L, 0-2 |
| 9/11/2013 |
Southwest Minnesota State |
L, 1-3 |
Next up
University of Sioux Falls finishes a three-game home stand with a Friday-night contest against Montana State-Billings on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. The Cougars then take to the road to begin their 15-game NSIC regular season slate with Southwest Minnesota State on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. in Marshall, Minn.
