Redemption.

That is what the NIU women’s soccer team will be out for when it travels this weekend to face two MAC foes.

After two lopsided losses last weekend, the Huskies took this week to fix their inconsistencies in their offense and defense.

“We’re working on a lot of combination plays with more movement off the ball so we have more options,” coach Frank Horvat said. “We’re also working on passing the ball a little quicker, making it harder to defend us.”

Today the Huskies (2-5,0-3) will look to test what they’ve been working on when they face Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti, Mich.

The Eagles (3-6,0-1-2) are led by junior Jessica Hupe, who scored eight goals in nine games this season.

“We aren’t going to go out of our way to change our game,” Horvat said about Hupe. “I don’t believe one player makes or breaks a team.”

After EMU, the Huskies will travel to Mt. Pleasant, Mich. to battle Central Michigan. The Chippewas (1-3-3, 0-1-2) are coming off three straight 2-2 ties – two against MAC opponents. The Huskies will look to avenge their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Central Michigan last year.

They might have to do it without junior goalkeeper Leigh Steigerwald, who still is out after receiving eight stitches last Friday. Freshman Carrie Dvorak will make her second start of the season in her place.

“If [Steigerwald] is feeling good Sunday we’ll definitely have to consider playing her,” Horvat said. “Her performance definitely warrants it.”

However, the Huskies should have junior co-captain Maggie Nowicki back. She definitely plans on playing.

As MAC play begins to heat up, the young Huskies still look to gel together as a team.

“Our biggest focus right now is coming together and sticking together as a team,” Nowicki said. “We’ve been practicing hard and play the way we know we can play. I think we’re ready for this weekend.”