By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls Soccer team prepares for a pivotal weekend as they take on in-city rival Augustana University on Friday, October 17 at 4 p.m. at Morstad Field before returning home Sunday, October 19 for Senior Day against Wayne State at Bob Young Field.
The Cougars enter the weekend 5-5-1 overall and 3-4-1 in NSIC play after splitting their most recent road trip. USF fell 1-0 to Northern State before bouncing back with a 2-0 win at Jamestown. With five wins on the season, the Cougars have matched their highest single-season total in the program's Division II era — a mark they'll look to surpass this weekend.
Cougar Notes
USF continues to build momentum through balance and resilience. The Cougars have recorded five shutouts this season, tying a program record, while limiting opponents to just 1.09 goals per game.
Sophomore Addison Van Zee leads the attack with five goals, followed by Sadie Hunter with three. Mariah Siem has added two goals and an assist, while Emma Duerr has netted a pair. Between the posts, junior Morgan Jost has been steady with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .763 save percentage across nine starts.
The Cougars have also been strong at home, holding a 3-1-1 record at Bob Young Field this fall.
Scouting Augustana (7-2-2 Overall, 5-2-1 NSIC)
The Vikings enter the rivalry matchup as one of the NSIC's top defensive teams, allowing only nine goals through 11 matches while posting four shutouts. Offensively, they've been powered by forward Madelyn White, who leads the conference with nine goals and five game-winners.
Augustana boasts a balanced attack, outscoring opponents 23-9 and averaging over 13 shots per game. Goalkeeper Taya Baker anchors the back line with a 0.76 goals-against average and an .826 save percentage.
This will mark the latest installment of the city rivalry, one that always delivers intensity and local pride.
Scouting Wayne State (4-3-4 Overall, 3-3-2 NSIC)
The Wildcats come into the weekend sitting near the middle of the NSIC table, highlighted by a strong start to their season before dropping two close contests on the road last weekend. Wayne State averages 1.64 goals per game and has recorded five shutouts on the year.
Offensively, Morgan Mancuso leads the Wildcats with four goals, while Paige Pemberton has added three. In goal, Alexa Hofstetter has started all 11 matches, carrying a 1.37 goals-against average and an .808 save percentage.
Sunday will serve as Senior Day for USF, a chance to celebrate the leadership and commitment of the program's upperclassmen.
Coach's Corner
"We're at the business end of the season, and every point matters. Both matches this weekend are big — a rivalry matchup with Augustana on Friday and Senior Day on Sunday versus Wayne. Each carries its own meaning, and we'll need to manage the emotion while keeping the composure to perform at our best.
Our focus is on playing with purpose and composure to help us perform at our best and get results as we look to climb the NSIC table. It's a special weekend of rivalry and celebration. We want to honor our seniors the right way, with the effort and passion that reflect what they've given to this program."
— Head Coach Joe DeMay
How to Watch/Follow
Fans can follow both matches with live stats and streaming links available at USFCougars.com.
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Friday, Oct. 17 – at Augustana (4 p.m.)
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Sunday, Oct. 19 – vs Wayne State (1 p.m.)
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