SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- After losing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Sioux Falls Soccer Team will start the 2021 season by hosting the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Friday before facing another MIAA school - Fort Hays State - on the road on Sunday.  In the home opener, USF and NWMSU will play at 6 pm on Friday, September 3 at the USF Sports Complex. The Cougars and Fort Hays State meet on Sunday, Sept. 5  at noon in Hays, Kan.

Follow Along 
Twitter - Watch Live - Live Stats

History
USF and Northwest Missouri have faced off four times since first competing against each other in 2015. and the Bearcats currently hold a 4-0 series advantage. The Cougars are looking to break that winning streak on Friday in their first regular season match since 2019. In those four previous games against NWMSU, two were away and two were at home, with USF only allowing three total goals on their home turf. In their most recent matchup, the Cougars fell, 4-0, in Maryville, MO on September 13, 2019.  Against Fort Hays State, USF is 0-3all-time with the most recent setback, 1-0, on Sept. 8 in Sioux Falls.

Looking Ahead
After being picked 14th in the preseason coaches' poll, the Cougars are looking to better that projection and their 2019 record (4-13-1,4-10-1 in the league). 

USF returns 13 players from the 2019 team and have added 12 new faces. "We expect there to be significant competition for starting spots and playing time everywhere on the field," said Head Coach Brittany Domino, who is in her 7th year at the helm.  

Upfront, USF will have leading scorer Grace Held, who had three goals and seven points in 18 matches (10 starts) in 2019. Five new players, including freshman Hannah Welch, will bring depth and skill for the Cougars to the USF front. In the midfield, returner Kyla Gushard (17 matches – 10 starts) and Player to Watch Aundria Vargas are among the individuals expected to contribute.
 
In the back line, returner Bailey Kerhli and Player to Watch sophomore Kelsey Oswaldprovide strength and athleticism. In goal, USF will feature three keepers, senior Alexis Wemhoff, junior Holli Knudsen and freshman Caroline Titze.

"Each season our team has improved upon the previous year and I think this year will be no different. The one thing I believe is different this year is our depth in every position on the field," said Domino, who will be assisted by Ashley Haflett, who is in her second year as assistant.

Continuing the season, the Cougars will head to Hays, Kansas to take on the Fort Hays State Tigers on Sunday, September 5 at 12 pm. USF will face a long road stretch and will return home on September 24 to host the University of Mary Maurauders at 2 pm at the USF Sports Complex.