Fall is approaching and it is finally time for kick off, but not for the Huskie football team.

The NIU women’s soccer team opens its 2008 campaign with a four-team tournament at the new Northern Illinois Track and Field/Soccer Complex this weekend.

NIU faces Eastern Illinois at 4 p.m. on Friday, and takes on Georgia Southern at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Northern Iowa is also participating in the tournament.

The Huskies look forward to the upcoming season as the team has undergone many changes in the nine-month offseason.

“We’re really excited about it because we’ve got a lot of new players, a new coach and a new field,” said junior goalkeeper Lindsey Curnock. “Everything is in our favor and we should be really good this year.”

Momentum is another factor working in the Huskies’ favor. NIU finished third in the MAC and went 5-1-1 in their final seven games in 2007. The Huskies also won their preseason match-up over Oakland 2-1.

“I’m excited for the games to finally start,” said head coach Carrie Barker. “We’ve been working extremely hard in preseason so I look forward for kick off to take place.”

Curnock, who is the last line of defense in a unit that ranked first in the MAC in goals against average (.70) made 47 saves while allowing only nine goals with nine shutouts last season.

She returns this year along with the top returning scorer Jestina Orlando. Orlando, a senior, scored three goals with seven points last season.

Even amid all the changes within the team, everything seems to be running smoothly. Curnock says this is the best team chemistry the Huskies have ever had, and as long as the defense stays solid and the backs stay strong success will come.

Barker agrees. Team chemistry and continued success will be key to victory in 2008.

“Team chemistry-wise, we’re really good,” Barker said. “Right now everybody’s a key player. It’ll be the first game I will actually see them compete. So everyone is a key player on our team.”

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