After beginning the season as one of NIU’s most impressive teams, the Mid-American Conference has humbled NIU women’s soccer (7-4-4, 1-3-3 MAC) to say the least.
Through the first eight games of this season, the Huskies held an impressive record of 6-1-1, losing only to the nationally ranked University of Notre Dame. Since NIU’s 2-1 victory over Valparaiso University in early September, the Huskies have a poor 1-3-3 record in the seven games since.
With an appearance in the Mid-American Conference tournament looking less and less likely, the Huskies need to pick up the pace.
I believe the Huskies’ lackluster performance is mostly due to their star players under performing. Specifically sophomore forward Tyra King, junior forward Kelsi McLaughlin and graduate student goalkeeper Ary Purifoy.
King, who leads the Huskies in goals (7) has produced only 2 goals in the last seven games. In the seven-game stretch, King was unable to find the back of the net for five straight matches. Through the five games, King’s only mention on the stat sheet is 1 assist.
Another underperformer is McLaughlin. McLaughlin holds NIU’s second most goals this season (4) and similar to King, McLaughlin has seemingly disappeared these last seven games.
In the last seven games, McLaughlin’s recorded only 1 assist with no goals.
Another star player who hasn’t been playing well is Purifoy. Purifoy started off the season incredibly efficient, holding opponents to under 1 goal in eight of the Huskies’ first nine games.
Over the nine game stretch, Purifoy also recorded 4 shutouts.
In the seven games since, the Huskies have sunk to 10th place in the MAC in goals allowed and are bottom-two in save percentage.
I believe the combination of Purifoy, McLaughlin and King’s struggles are the reason for NIU’s poor play over the last seven games.
HOW NIU CAN REACH THE MAC TOURNAMENT
The top six teams in the MAC automatically get a bid into the tournament. The Huskies are currently tied with Miami University for 10th place.
Firstly, the Huskies have to win out. NIU’s remaining schedule consists of Eastern Michigan University, Ball State University, the University of Toledo and Western Michigan University. All four programs sit ahead of NIU in the standings.
If the Huskies win out, luck needs to be on their side. Assuming NIU wins on Friday, Eastern Michigan – currently one spot ahead – will need to lose one of its three remaining games.
Ball State – three spots ahead – and Toledo – two spots ahead – have to lose two out of their next four games.
Outside of Eastern Michigan, Ball State and Toledo, the other team in NIU’s way is Central Michigan University. Central Michigan currently holds sixth place in the MAC, the last spot eligible for tournament contention.
After defeating the Huskies 2-0 in late September, NIU must finish with a better record than Central Michigan. Like Ball State and Toledo, Central Michigan has to lose two out of its next four games.
If luck works in NIU’s favor, the Huskies could turn their season around and sneak into the MAC tournament with a conference record of 5-3-3.
UP NEXT
The Huskies continue their push for the MAC tournament against Eastern Michigan at 1 p.m. Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex in DeKalb. Streaming will be available on NIU All-Access and live stats will be provided by SIDEARM Sports.
