DeKalb | The 2-7-1 women’s soccer team is back at home and looking to gain some momentum this weekend against Akron and

Buffalo.

This year, NIU has had some trouble getting the offense going in the first half, scoring only three goals all season in the first half. This doesn’t concern assistant coach Connor McKee.

“We don’t have issues starting quickly at home,” McKee said. “Each field is a different surface and the girls are comfortable playing on our surface.”

This is good news as both Akron and Buffalo have first half-struggles and big second-half success.

The weekend’s games against MAC opponents Akron and Buffalo will mark NIU’s first home games since a double overtime 1-1 tie on Sept. 15 vs. Western Illinois.

Head coach John Ross said the home field advantage is “going to give a boost right away.”

Sophomore forward Nicole Gobbo had strong games, scoring a goal in back-to-back games against Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. She should be a player to keep an eye over the weekend.

Ross said the team isn’t expecting to rely on one player to carry them.

“It takes all the players to perform for one player to stand out,” Ross said.

NIU will need to get off to a fast start against Akron. The Zips could prove to be a difficult team to beat given the one-two punch of forwards Lani Smith and freshman standout Sarah Sivic. The duo have combined for nine goals and five assists this season.

“As long as we can keep our shape, it doesn’t matter how special they are,” McKee said.

The Zips are pretty hit or miss, as they’ve allowed three goals on average during their losses, while they are allowing less than a goal when they win. NIU will take on Akron at 4 p.m. Friday at the NIU soccer and track and field complex.

Sunday’s game against Buffalo will require a different mindset for the Huskies, as they’ll face down one of the MAC’s best defenses anchored by goalkeeper Ainsley Wheldon.

Wheldon and the Bulls’ defense have only allowed seven goals all season, and only Ball State has allowed less goals in the MAC. In addition to a smothering defense, Ross said they have a good work ethic. Last year’s game against Buffalo saw the Huskies play to a 1-1 tie.

Ross said whichever side is more ruthless in front of the goal will succeed.

“The team that sacrifices in the box will be the one to come out ahead,” Ross said.

Buffalo has been entirely reliant on its stellar defensive play. The offense has only scored five goals all season, putting it at the bottom of the MAC. It is not for lack of trying, as the Bulls rank eighth in the conference with 103 shots. The game against Buffalo starts at 1 p.m. Sunday at the NIU soccer and track and field complex.