The Ferris State women’s soccer team has started off its season with the overall record of 2-3.
This upcoming weekend, the Bulldogs will face Northwood and Saginaw Valley.
“Both teams are always a battle,” Ferris junior midfielder-defender Riley Wood said. “In the past years, Saginaw has always been a tough game for us. They have great work ethic and never give up. It is always a close game between us and definitely one of my favorite matches of the year.”
Having both of the games away this weekend, the Bulldogs will have to fight hard.
“Away games are always a challenge because of the new field and the fans are not in our favor, but they are fun,” Wood said. “Luckily, Saginaw and Northwood are close so we still get to sleep in our own beds and prepare.”
These away games are important, as two wins would give them a winning record on the season, which they need to stay relevant in conference play.
“Away games are the best tests for our mental ability to play,” Ferris senior defender Amanda Foster said. “Every field is different so we need to adjust quickly to the surface change. However, it is always nice to go to someone else’s home field and come away with a win.”
Ferris was supposed to have already played Northwood this season in a non-conference game, but the contest was cancelled due to “inclement weather,” much to many athletes’ displeasure.
“If our game against Northwood would not have been cancelled, then it would have been more intense than it will be,” Foster said. “Depending upon the result of the previous game, there would be more of a rivalry. The losing team would want revenge while the winning team would want to defend that title.”
Although Saginaw has height and Northwood is always really physical, the Bulldogs are setting those thoughts aside.
“Every conference game is hard, considering it counts for our record,” Wood said.
Ferris’ plan to prepare for this weekend is to focus on letting the ball do the work by playing quick and simple, which may lead to a couple of wins to bring home.
The Bulldogs will kickoff Friday, Sept. 27, against Northwood in Midland at 2 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 29, against Saginaw Valley State in Saginaw, MI at noon.