The phrase “defense wins championships” is a rallying call that everyone has heard echoed throughout locker rooms and post game press conferences.

It’s also a saying the NIU women’s soccer team will be put to the test this weekend, as it opens the season with a pair of road games against stellar defenses at Valparaiso (0-2-0) and Southeastern Missouri State (1-1-0).

The Huskies will make the trip this afternoon to Valpo, which is seeking its sixth straight 10-win season.

Goalie Mele Cabral returns for her senior season after setting a school record in 2008 with 10 shutouts.

“[NIU is a] tough team because they work hard and they’re going to battle every minute,” said Valparaiso head coach John Marovich. “And that’s really a compliment of their coaching staff.”
Immediately following the Valparaiso match-up, they will make the long trip to SEMO to face a Redhawks team that only managed two wins during their 2008 campaign.

Despite a lackluster 2008, the Redhawks still managed to surrender under 20 goals, a feat achieved every year in the program’s history.

“All I’m focusing on right now is Valparaiso,” NIU head coach Carrie Barker said. “After that, I’ll begin looking towards SEMO.”

That focus remains directly on the Crusaders despite early season struggles against Michigan and Moorehead State.

“They are a very good team,” Barker said. “We’re extremely excited to put everything we have worked on during the preseason into one game.”

When the Huskies do turn their attention to SEMO, they will find three–time Ohio Valley Coach of the Year Heather Nelson waiting for them.

Nelson returns star midfielders Vanessa Hart and Mabel Velarde, but remains rather unproven with 14 underclassmen including two new goal keepers.

This weekend’s games open up a five-game stretch on the road for the Huskies. In 2008, playing away from home wasn’t kind to the team as they struggled with a 2-4-4 record.

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