THE SCHEDULE…

2013 HOME OPENER || PATTISON FIELD || FAYETTE, IA
LIVE STATS || VIDEO WEBCAST

WEDNESDAY - 5 p.m. || NORTH EAST IOWA CC vs. UPPER IOWA
FRIDAY - 2 p.m. || MOUNT MERCY vs. UPPER IOWA

THE SERIES… Last year marked the first time the Peacocks and the Trojans of North East Iowa CC squared off. The Peacocks own a 1-0 series record after posting back-to-back-to-back goals in a span of ten and a half minutes last year against the Trojans.

The Peacocks have faced the Mustangs eight times in the past half-decade. UIU is 4-3-1 against their rivals including a victory at home in double-overtime last season. That record also includes a 3-1 loss on the road against the Mustangs.

THE MATCHUP… The Trojans are just 1-2 this year and have not played a game in the ICCAC as of yet. NIACC most recently defeated Minnesota International University, 4-1. Previously, the Trojans dropped games to Lincoln College and Jefferson College to open up the 2013 season. The Trojans return 10 players from last year's team and add 12 new freshmen.

The Mustangs enter Friday's matchup against UIU with a 3-2 record already. They also play their sixth match of the year on Tuesday night as they host Northwestern College. Senior forward Josip Druzijanic leads the team with six goals scored this year, while Robert MacGillivray has a team-high three assists. The Mustangs' goalkeepers have given up eight goals this year, while making 25 saves. Mount Mercy returns 17 players from last year's squad, seven of whom are seniors this year.

MISTAKES HURT PEACOCKS IN LOSS TO TSU… Despite a strong preseason showing, the Peacocks made a few costly mistakes in their first game of the new season. In Upper Iowa's season-opener, the Peacocks were without two of their best as injuries caught up with the team in Kirksville, Missouri. Facing an experienced and well-rounded Truman State squad, mistakes and inexperience showed as the Peacocks lost, 4-1, in non-conference play.

WILLIAMS' WAY… Despite playing more of a defensive center-mid role for the Peacocks this season, Ryhs Williams has the only UIU goal this year. He also had the most goals in the preseason, scoring twice and adding two assists. Head Coach Jason Carlson says the team plays better when he is on and that he is counting on him to be a big contributor this year. Last year, as a true freshman, Williams started 15 of the 18 games he played in and added his first collegiate goal of his career on Sept. 12 against Viterbo. This past Sunday against TSU, Williams earned his second goal of his career and first this season.

STANDOUTS… Hugo Alves and Troy Ewers were the two names that surfaced after the Peacocks 4-1 loss to Truman State this past weekend. Assistant Coach Miguel Silva mentioned them because they were both impressive. Ewers from his center back position and Alves from his perimeter back position helped slow down the Bulldog attack and will be counted on again this week. Alves was forced into the starting lineup due to injuries, while Ewers has been a constant for UIU since starting as a true freshman last year.

PRESEASON POLL... According to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Conference (MIAA) 2013 Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll, Upper Iowa University has been selected to finish sixth in the league this season. In their first year in the MIAA, the Peacocks finished fifth in the conference with a 5-13 overall record and a 2-8 conference mark. Now, under a new coaching staff, UIU will look to improve upon those numbers in year number two in the conference. Lindenwood University was picked by the league's coaches to win the MIAA. The Lions received 4 first place votes and tallied 34 points, ranking them just ahead of Northeastern State University (31), who received 2 first place votes. Fort Hays State University also received a first place vote as they ranked third with 28 points. The 2013 season gets underway on September 5, 2013 and will culminate with the MIAA men's soccer tournament to be held at the College Boulevard Activities Center on Nov. 7 & 9.

RETURNERS... After graduating only three seniors from last year's team, there should be some recognizable faces on the squad come 2013. Sophomores Jared Newman and Jason Bishop are two returners with high offensive expectations this year after both were named All-MIAA honorable mention selections in 2012. The freshmen duo totaled five goals and three assists last season. The Peacocks also return their starting goalkeeper senior Jordan Bell, who earned a conference-best 121 saves last year. In all, the Peacocks return 15 players from last year's team who played in at least 11 games last season. Joined by a few outstanding transfers, the incoming freshmen and many key returners, the Peacocks are ready to get year number two underway in the MIAA.

UIU'S NEWCOMERS … Led by freshmen Ty Johnson and Ryan Pinkerton#, the 2013 newcomers have been a welcomed addition to the Peacocks this season. Johnson and Pinkerton have both found the back of the net in the preseason this year, while Pinkerton has also added an assist. In all, there are five new additions to the UIU roster this year including, Angel Cardoso, Fausto Ordenana, Austin Westman, Ty Johnson and Ryan Pinkerton.

FOLLOW ALONG… If you can't make either of the matches in person, then follow along with our live stats and video webcast links. See above or click here: LIVE STATS || VIDEO WEBCAST