They’re back and ready to show that the last game was no fluke.

After shutting out Central Michigan on the road last weekend, the NIU women’s soccer team will play host to two MAC opponents this weekend at Huskie Soccer Field.

First, the Huskies (3-6, 1-4) will face the University of Akron at 3:30 today. They will square off against a Zips squad that is struggling as of late. The Zips (3-6-1, 0-5-1) have lost their last five MAC games and have only a tie against Marshall to show for in MAC play. They’ve scored just 11 goals in the season.

“Akron can’t be taken lightly. They aren’t scoring much, but neither are we,” coach Frank Horvat said. “They have a player up top with speed that could cause us problems and a good sweeper, but if we get by her and continue to play good solid defense like we did last Sunday, we’ll be fine. We have to take the game to them and capitalize.”

While the Huskies are in better shape after getting both their goalkeepers back, there are still some injury problems. Freshman Chanelle Crosby, who leads the Huskies with two goals, is suffering lingering effects from a concussion suffered on Sunday.

Junior Katie Klaas, who has led the Huskies in goals the last two years, is suffering from a slight groin pull that might keep her off the field this weekend.

“I’m expecting her to play,” Horvat said. “It could cost us if we lose her, as she’s been a big part of our success this year.”

While the injury bug continues to affect the Huskies, they can take comfort in knowing they have a deep bench.

That was evident last week as junior Akiko Iwabuchi scored her first career goal. Horvat stated that he’ll continue to juggle the line as the season progresses.

“Not everything is set in stone yet,” Horvat said. “I think it says a lot about the players we have, that they continue to step up and challenge the other players, and constantly fight for those open roles.”

In the second game of the weekend homestand, on Sunday, the Huskies will face the Kent State Golden Flashes at 2:30 p.m. Kent State (4-5-1, 2-3-1) is led by Illinois-native Laura Covay, who has four goals and 10 points on the year.

The Golden Flashes also have racked up 13 of their 17 goals this year in the second half, forcing the Huskies to keep the pressure on them for 90 minutes.

“We’re definitely playing better, but we’re still not finishing good opportunities,” Horvat said. “We have to take advantage of being at home and keep our win streak going.”