MINOT, N.D.- The Beavers soccer team look to use the momentum from the strong performance to open conference play, as they take to the road for the third straight week. The Beavers first action of the weekend will be at the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (1-3, 0-2 NSIC) Friday Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. The long road trip will finally conclude Sunday Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. when they take on the Sioux Falls Cougars (1-4, 1-1 NSIC). 
 
Last Time Out: The Beavers conquered any conference opening weekend jitters, thanks in part to junior Maddie Kindred's two shutouts on the weekend, garnering her NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week. The Beavers first defeated the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs 2-0 behind impressive offensive talent from senior Sofia Lewis who scored both goals of the game guiding her to earn an honorable mention for NSIC Offensive Player of the Week. On Sunday the Beavers outlasted the Huskies of St. Cloud State 1-0. The lone goal by junior and current leading scorer this season Chloe Allan in the 24^th minute proved to be all that was needed for the Beaver to sneak past the Huskies on the road. 
 
Top Performer: This week's top performer must go to non-other than the reigning NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week Maddie Kindred on her outstanding performance. Kindred started her weekend off by making five saves against UMD. Following her first shutout performance of the weekend, she concluded the weekend with another shutout against SCSU, this time making 10 stops in net for a grand total of 15 saves during the weekend. 
 
Facing the Mustangs: The Beavers currently own a six-game win streak over SMSU which has helped Minot State reach a grand record of 8-2 over the Mustangs since the teams started facing off. The last stand-off between SMSU and the Beavers came on Oct. 20, 2019 when the Beavers fought off a Mustang comeback in the second half thanks to two goals by Lewis and the game winner by sophomore Anabel Noches in the 69^thminute to give the Beavers the W, 3-2. 
 
Scouting Southwest Minnesota State: The Beavers and Mustangs had two completely opposite opening weekends of conference play. The Mustangs went 0-2 on the road with losses to the Upper Iowa Peacocks 1-0 and the Winona State Warriors 2-1. 
 
The 'Stangs have only recorded two goals on the still young season, both of which have been scored by sophomore Alex Lotts. Lotts is currently the leading shooter as well, as she has totaled nine shots with four of them on goal. The Mustangs certainly have no shortage of opportunities on offense, as they have shot 37 times with 16 of those shots reaching the net or goalkeeper. The leader in shots on goal is junior Abbey Hoisington who's recorded five shots on goal, however currently has a 71.4 percentage on her shots reaching the net. Freshman Meghan Harkin has started all four games so far this season, allowing four goals to go with 16 saves. 
 
Facing the Cougars: Minot State has performed exceptionally well against USF recording a 10-1-1 record dating back to 2010. The Beavers had an impressive six game winning streak over the Cougars from 2012 to 2017. The Beavers last performance was no exception to the record against USF, as MSU ran away with the victory 3-1 here in Minot. A goal by senior Mel van Walstijn tied the game up, with Lewis capping off the night with two more goals added on. 
 
Scouting USF: Sioux Falls has only netted two goals on the season as well. Senior Aundria Vargas and freshman Hannah Welch have provided most of the offense for the Cougars this season, each with a goal. Vargas leads USF in total shots with five, while Welch leads the Cougars in total shots on goal with three. All three of the goalkeepers on the Cougars roster have played in two or more games so far this season. Senior Alexis Wemhoff seems to be the set starter for most of the season, as she's played in all but one contest, while starting all four she's participated in. Wemhoff has recorded five goals allowed, with 31 saves in net, and backstopped the Cougars to their lone win of the season. Junior Holli Knudsen has seen action in two matches, allowing two goals while making seven saves in net. Lastly, freshman Caroline Titze has played in two games, while starting one. Titze has allowed one goal while making 12 saves in net for the Cougars in her young career. 
 
Looking Ahead: Following the end of the three-week road trip for the Beavers, they will finally play at home again. Their first action back home will be Friday Oct. 1^st at 3 p.m. when they take on the Winona State Warriors (2-2, 1-1 NSIC.) They'll conclude the weekend with a matchup against the Upper Iowa Peacocks (4-0, 2-0 NSIC,) who has reigning NSIC Defensive Player of the Week Aimee Sies. The Beavers and Peacocks are currently tied with the Bemidji State Beavers at the top of the NSIC, with all three schools posting a 2-0 record during the opening weekend of conference play.