It’s always a good idea to make a positive first impression.

Carrie Barker, NIU women’s soccer head coach, did exactly that, becoming the first Huskie coach to open the season 2-0.

It is also the first time NIU began a season with consecutive shutouts.

The Huskies look to take their success to the road, playing at Northern Iowa (0-2-1) at 7 p.m. Friday and facing Green Bay (0-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday.

“The energy of winning our first games in our new facility should carry on to this weekend,” said senior defender Micaela Damas. “Green Bay and Northern Iowa are two great teams and if we continue to play the way we’ve been playing and continue to out-hustle everyone, we should have no problems.”

In its young season, NIU is led by reigning MAC Player of the Week, foward Thea Johnson.

The senior totaled five points last weekend with two goals and one assist.

No matter the outcome of a match, there is always room for improvement.

“We want to iwmprove every weekend,” Barker said. “We need to start stronger. We need to complete a full 90 minute game and not have mental lapses that the other team can capitalize on.”

The key for NIU this weekend is to stick to the game plan.

The Huskies have to continue to play their style in order to come out successful.

“We have to be able to come out and play physical,” Barker said. “Green Bay plays a more direct style and we have to make sure we play our own style and not let them dictate our play.”