It will seem like a normal Saturday during the late fall this weekend.

The air will be cold, the trees will be leafless and football will be played in Huskie Stadium. Yes, football – at least what most the world calls football – will be played.

The NIU men’s and women’s soccer teams will start the spring season this Saturday at Huskie stadium.

NIU head coach Carrie Barker will make her debut at the helm of the women’s soccer program.
Barker brings 10 years of experience as an assistant coach to the Huskies. Barker served as an assistant coach at Wisconsin for three years. Prior to that she held the same position at Michigan for seven years.

After the women finish their game, the men will take the field.

NIU will host University Wisconsin–Green Bay and Bradley to open its spring season. The game against Bradley will provide a test for NIU, as the Braves advanced to the Elite 8 in the 2007 NCAA tournament.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to fundamentals and refocusing on what makes us competitive,” said Steve Simmons, NIU men’s soccer coach. “It will also be a time for players to get more minutes and in different positions. In the end, I expect to have a clear picture of what the returners will offer going into the summer.”

Simmons will also get a chance to see what his new players have to offer. Two players that will grab attention this Saturday will be Sycamore High School’s All–American Brad Horton and Kishwaukee All–American Chris Tidwell. The pair will wear Huskie uniforms for the first time this Saturday.

“Brad and Chris are getting on well with the team,” Simmons said. “They’ve been a part of a demanding part of the season and have done well to mesh.”

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