DeKALB | A streak of stonewalled opponents has been recognized.

The three-game shutout streak by keeper Joe Zimka has earned the sophomore MAC player of the week honors this past week.

A 2-0-1 record in their last three games also has buoyed NIU to a No. 5 ranking in the latest NSCAA Great Lakes region poll.

The Huskies open the weekend with a 4 p.m. kick off today at Huskie Soccer Field against Bowling Green. NIU must be careful to avoid the dreaded trap game and overlook BG (1-8-1) in favor of Sunday’s 1 p.m. grudge match against Wisconsin-Milwaukee (3-6-1).

At stake when NIU (6-3-1, 1-0) heads to the land of cheese is the John Lewang Memorial Cup. UWM has taken control of the cup with five straight victories, and to make matters worse NIU has not tallied a goal in the series since 2000.

“They’ve had our number lately,” said coach Steve Simmons. “In the past the games have been somewhat defensive. They are a very organized team that will make us earn everything. It will be a battle, the winner will most likely be the team that doesn’t make a mistake.”

Just like NIU, UWM has prepared for their Horizon League play with a tough non-conference slate.

UWM opponents have a .682 winning percentage. UWM battle scars include a 2-1 double overtime loss to No. 5 Washington, a 1-0 loss to then No. 8 Creighton, and a 1-0 loss to new No. 1 Southern Methodist highlight a diabolical schedule.

UWM enters on eight days of rest, their last two games being a 1-0 loss at Florida International and a 2-2 double overtime tie to Wisconsin.

“Every weekend it seems to be the same,” Simmons said. “A MAC game and a big showdown. Our hope is we are geared for these types of big weekends. These are two real good teams, that have records that don’t reflect their quality.”

NIU is led in scoring by junior forward Marcus McCarty with 13 points. Forward Luis De La Cerda is tied for second on the team with junior forward Curt Zastrow.

James Nokes is the NIU men’s soccer beat reporter for the Northern Star.