Hoosiers attempt to hold unbeaten streak together

Coming off a 2-0 record after wins against Arkansas State and Ohio last week, the IU women’s soccer team will welcome South Florida and Missouri State to Bill Armstrong Stadium this weekend.

IU Coach Mick Lyon said practices leading up to the weekend have proven promising with excitement growing and injuries healing up quickly.

“The girls have got a ton of energy,” he said. “I think the strength and depth of our squad is growing.”

And though the excitement stems from the first two games, Lyon said he won’t let the team get ahead of itself.

A 2-1 loss to South Florida last season still looms over them, and the team must focus on what comes next, he said.

“We show the goals, our mistakes, things we need to get better and then we put that to bed,” Lyon said. “We’re not talking about those games anymore because we need to look forward.”

Yet the women have a new factor added into the mix this week, fresh from their first week of class.  

“Staying focused is the big thing,” junior midfielder Lisa Nouanesengsy said. “We started school this week, so it’s a challenge to balance school and soccer at the same time. We didn’t have that last week.”

Nouanesengsy, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and the first IU women’s soccer player to score two hat tricks following her goals against Arkansas State, said she plans to do just that.

Remaining calm prior to the games is key, she said.

“I’ve had a new pregame preparation for the games,” she said. “I’m excited for the games. I’m just trying not to get too excited. I’ve learned to just stay calm and play.”

With a high level of competition ahead of them, Lyon said he stressed defensive organization this week as a significant factor in tallying another win.

Junior forward Rebecca Candler said she is hoping to up the team’s record this weekend, starting with South Florida.    

“Obviously I’m most looking forward to the win,” she said. “They’re a good team, and I think that would really help our morale if we pull it off.”

Lyon said he has high hopes and is looking forward to what the weekend has in store for the team.  

“The obvious for us is that we want to come away from the weekend 4-0,” he said. “That’s a big challenge, but certainly one I think we’re capable of.”