It’s a double dose of cougars for women’s soccer as it looks to extend a winning streak.

The Huskies (1-4) are taking on the Chicago State Cougars (1-5) in a neutral site match 7 p.m. Friday at the Nike Sports Complex in Naperville. Following that matchup, they’ll play host to the Southern Illinois-Edwardsville Cougars (1-2-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Soccer and Track & Field Complex.

NIU, coming off its first win of the season, is feeling comfortable now that its season-opening losing streak has ended and a stretch of home games has begun.

“Getting that first win was definitely important for us because … I just feel like there was a weight on us and getting that first win really helped us lift that weight off our shoulders,” said sophomore Jess Wooldridge. “Practices have been a little bit better, more intensity.”

The Chicago State Cougars have struggled mightily in their first season in Division I. Their only win came against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 4-3, Aug. 23. The rest of Chicago State’s games have been disastrous for its side: The Cougars have lost their last four matches with opposing teams racking up 20 goals in that span.

In Chicago State’s last match, the Cougars were defeated by Bowling Green, 8-0, Sunday. Despite the Cougars’ struggle, NIU head coach John Ross said the Huskies aren’t going to take them lightly.

“In coaching, you just never know,” Ross said. “You’re always going out to get your best performance … and things that we need to make sure we limit them on. So, we’re going to go about it how we go about any other game. Any team can beat anybody at any point, so we gotta make sure that we’re ready, focused and we [have] a good plan in place.”

SIUE has had a rough go on the road this year. Its trip through Indiana saw defeats to Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, 2-1, and to Purdue, 4-1. In its last match, SIUE tied with University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1-1. Before coming to DeKalb, the Cougars will host Drake.

SIUE is led by junior Cassidy Sherman, who has scored two goals. Another player to keep an eye on will be senior Michelle Auer, who has one goal and two assists. The duo has been a big part of the Cougars’ offense this season.

The biggest challenge for the Huskies will be to manufacture some of their own offense. In its last game, their only goal came on a penalty kick despite numerous chances. Senior Gwen Sabo said the team has been working on attacking to make sure chances don’t go to waste.

“We’ve been working more on finishing like in practice and everything,” Sabo said. “The coaches are focusing more on finishing under pressures, so hopefully that’ll translate over into the game.”