Much has changed in the last nine months since the NIU women’s soccer team hit the pitch against Toledo in the MAC semifinals.

The Huskies have undergone a coaching change and a change in scenery for the 2008 campaign. Carrie Barker succeeds Marci Miller-Jobson as head coach and the new Northern Illinois Track and Soccer Facility is currently under construction.

For the most part of August, the Huskies have been preparing for the new season. NIU posted a 2-1 exhibition victory over Oakland on Aug. 15. Huskie sophomore Becca Ford scored the unassisted, game-winning goal in the 59th minute of play.

“We just finished a great pre-season training,” Barker said. “Everything went well and we’re moving in the right direction.”

NIU faces a challenging schedule which includes the defending MAC champion Toledo and defending Missouri Valley Conference champion and NCAA Tournament participant Creighton.

The Huskies open the season hosting a four-team tournament this weekend with matches against Eastern Illinois and Georgia Southern. NIU then will hit the road the following weekend against Northern Iowa and UW-Green Bay.

NIU then alternates weekends at home and away against non-conference opponents before kicking off MAC play Sept. 26 against Bowling Green in DeKalb.

The Huskies look to continue its success from last season. NIU finished the 2007 campaign with a 10-5-5 overall record and went 6-3-2 in MAC play.

With 10 returning starters and 15 letter winners, NIU has one goal in mind.

“We want to compete for a MAC championship,” Barker said. “I expect nothing less. I expect more.”