Independent file photo SMSU’s Hayleigh Young controls the ball during their exhibition game against the College of St. Benedict’s on Aug. 27. SMSU will face Missouri Western State this Sunday.

MARSHALL — The Southwest Minnesota State University soccer team (1-0) returns home in the regular season for the first time in nearly two seasons on Sunday taking on Missouri Western State (2-0) at 1 p.m. in Marshall.

-Sunday will be the first time the Mustangs take the field at the Schwan Regional Event Center for regular season action in 673 days, defeating Sioux Falls 2-1 on Nov. 9, 2019.

Series history

versus Missouri Western State

-SMSU and Missouri Western State will meet for the first time.

Between the posts

-SMSU redshirt freshman Meghan Harkin made her collegiate debut in net against Black Hills State on Friday, Sept. 3.

-Harkin was solid, sending away both shots on target to record the first shutout by a freshman in her first start at SMSU since 2013.

Youth movement

-The season opener saw 11 freshmen get action for the Mustangs, including eight in the starting 11.

-Redshirt Meghan Harkin recorded a clean sheet in her first start, making two saves in the process.

-True freshman Kirsten Wetterstrom led the team with four shots, while putting one shot on net.

-True freshman Selena Prolic added to the offensive attack, taking three shots, and recording a shot on net

About Southwest Minnesota State

-Sunday will be the first time the Mustangs take the field at the Schwan Regional Event Center for regular season action in 673 days, defeating Sioux Falls 2-1 on Nov. 9, 2019

-The Mustangs played in five scrimmages against conference opponents in the spring of 2021, finishing 2-2-1.

-SMSU returns two of their top three scorers from 2019 in Abbey Hoisington and Alex Lotts, with Katie Oatman and Jessica Jugovich also scoring goals in 2019.

-SMSU was voted ninth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

-Abbey Hoisington and Katie Oatman were named NSIC Players to Watch.

Scouting Missouri Western State

-Head coach Damian Macias enters his second season leading the charge for the Griffons, with his first season canceled due to COVID-19.

-MWSU has started the season 2-0, with a 2-1 victory over Concordia-St. Paul, and a 4-1 victory against Rockhurst.

-MWSU was picked to finish 6th in the MIAA preseason coaches poll.

-MWSU is lead by Kaili Campbell, who accounted for a hat trick in the Griffons win over Rockhurst.

-Junior Anna Mayer has started both games between the pipes for MWSU, recording an .800 save percentage and eight saves overall.

— Content courtesy

of SMSU Athletic

Communications