Everyone wants respect. This weekend the NIU women’s soccer team will have its chance to earn just that when it plays the top two MAC teams.

Today at 3 p.m. at Huskie Soccer Field the Huskies will face off against Miami (Ohio). The RedHawks (11-2-1, 8-1) were the preseason No. 1 pick in the MAC and have not disappointed so far.

Miami has also made it up to 10th in the Great Lakes Region of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s recent poll.

On Sunday NIU takes on Ball State University. The Cardinals (10-4, 6-3) are coming off back-to-back conference losses after winning five straight MAC contests.

“Obviously, it’s a tremendous challenge playing the No. 1, and then two days later playing the No. 2 team,” coach Frank Horvat said. “The pressure is on them. They’re expected to win and supposed to win. We have to rise to the challenge and grow in pressure situations.”

The Huskies’ defense will have to be on its toes against the RedHawks, as reigning MAC Player of the Week Andrea Cunningham comes to town bringing Danielle Berkemeier and her team-leading nine goals with her.

“I don’t think anybody could contain them,” Horvat said. “They’re definitely two of the premier players in our league.

“We really need to play well defensively, both individually and collectively as a team to keep them off the board. We have to play our best game of the year and force them to play bad and I don’t think that will happen with all the seniors on the field for them this year.”

After last Sunday’s disappointing effort against Western Michigan, Horvat stressed that in order to win it has to be a team effort.

“Individually there are definitely a few players who have to step up and be ready to play,” Horvat said. “But, team effort is what has given us success in the past this season and when we perform well we win games.”

The Huskies need a well-rounded performance this weekend to stay in contention for the MAC tournament on Nov. 5. Eight teams make the tournament, the Huskies are in 10th place, so every game counts.

While the RedHawks have nearly run the table in the MAC, Horvat is not ready to add another L to the loss column just yet.

“Everyone is beatable,” Horvat said. “Is this team beatable? You bet.”