It’s been a decade since the men’s soccer team has opened the season undefeated after six games.

In the Huskies’ 1998 season, the team went 6-0-1 before losing their first match. The 2008 team is after its best start in ten years, owning a 4-0-2 record this season.

But living up to the 1998 season expectations might get rough as NIU heads to Tulsa, Okla. to battle it out at the Tulsa Invitational.

NIU kicks off its first match-up today against No. 2 SMU at 5 p.m. The Mustangs (5-0-1) have a dangerous offense that boasts Paulo de Silva, a senior who leads his team with 12 points. The forward has five goals and two assists on the season, and was recently named College Soccer News’ National Player of the Week.

“With SMU being ranked No. 2 in the country and all the polls, [today] will we get a very accurate look of where we are measuring up,” said NIU head coach Steve Simmons. “It’s a good opportunity for us before we head into conference play.”

The Huskies will measure up to a team that has scorched opponents offensively, out-scoring opposing teams 14-3. However, the Huskies have a strong offense of their own, and currently rank first in the MAC in every offensive category.

“Both sides have shown that they’re capable of posing an attacking threat, but soccer is a funny game sometimes,” Simmons said. “Depending on how the game flows you might get more attacking opportunities or you might get a battle of the mid-field. In any case, we will be ready for whatever the game gives us.”

As soon as today’s game is finished, NIU will prepare for Sunday’s match against tournament host Tulsa.

The Golden Hurricanes (2-3-1) were rated No. 15 a week ago, but two straight losses have knocked them out of a national rank. Tulsa has struggled on offensive and has only notched five goals in six games. However, the team has been strong defensively, allowing only five balls between the posts.

Though the team hasn’t been as strong as they were last season, Simmons said that Tulsa’s losing streak can be broken at any time and against any team.

“We will have a chance to watch Tulsa here at the tournament and see any kind of adjustments they’ve made,” Simmons said. “But they’re deceiving as far as the little patch they’ve run into. They’re a good team and we are playing in their tournament at their home. It will be a battle.”

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