THIS WEEKEND IN PEACOCK WOMEN'S SOCCER… Upper Iowa women's soccer challenges two more NSIC competitors this weekend on their home turf. Their first contest is Friday, Sept. 30 against Minnesota State University Mankato. Kick off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The Peacocks will face Concordia University St. Paul on Sunday, Oct. 2 to round off the weekend. Match time is set for 12 p.m. 
 
LIVE COVERAGE OPTIONS… For fans who are unable to be in Fayette, we've got you covered with several live options while the Peacocks are in action. Live stats and a webcast will be available through the links accompanying this story and at UIUPeacocks.com/LIVE. Both matches will also stream live on the new NSIC Network app through Roku and Fire devices, as well as Apple and Android TV. Search for "NSIC Network" to find the app on your relevant device. 
 
SAAC GAME OF THE YEAR… The match on Sunday against the Golden Bears has been designated as the UIU Student-Athlete Advisory Council Game of the Year for women's soccer. All SAAC members will be in attendance and encouraging students and the community to pack the stands! There will be a t-shirt giveaway for the "Fan of The Game" for the individual who is the most enthusiastic and engaged. Come out and show your support!
 
PEACOCK HUE REVIEW... Over the weekend, the Peacocks matched up against University of Mary on Friday and Minot State University on Sunday. Against the unbeaten Marauders, Upper Iowa battled to a 2-2 tie, forcing a draw within the last 50 seconds. The match began in a lively manner after senior Haley Ramberg was fouled in the box, giving UIU a penalty opportunity. After Samuels' effort was saved by the UMary keeper, the game remained scoreless until Alex Garcia buried a shot in the lower right corner, her first of the season and Peacock career. The second half was filled with penalty drama as Upper Iowa gave the Marauders two opportunities to execute on penalties. Their first attempt was successful at the 53:35 mark. On the second penalty, goalkeeper Isabelle Wagner saved the shot, but was scored on from the rebound in the 72nd minute. The score 2-1 held until senior Haley Ramberg put the ball through the legs of the opposing goalkeeper, drawing the 2-2 tie. 
 
In the duel with Minot State, the Beavers scored in the ninth minute, which held for the entirety of the match. Upper Iowa was clearing the ball from the box when a bad bounce from the ball jumped up and hit an arm. The result was a penalty for the opposing team. Minot State found the back of the net for the only score of the contest.  Isabelle Wagner and the Peacock defense continued to dish out consistent pressure to only allow the one score on the penalty kick. Wagner tallied two saves including a great grab just prior to the penalty kick.
 
MANEUVERING THE MAVERICKS… The Mavericks have a record of 6-1-2 (4-0-2 NSIC) on the season. They are currently sitting at the top of the conference. The five-time NSIC champs have recorded a total of 28 goals on the year, leading in that statistic by 12 scores. Minnesota State has moved the number 19 in the country. This group has made the NCAA tournament for the last eight consecutive years.
 
Minnesota State's Libby Spangler was named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week. The senior defender led a MSU defense that held MSU Moorhead and Northern State scoreless over the weekend. While Spangler was on the field, the opposition could only muster six shots-on-goal over two matches. In doing so, the Littleton, Colorado native tallied 150 minutes this weekend while scoring her first goal of the year against MSU Moorhead on Friday.
 
Senior Jenny Vetter leads the Mavericks and the NSIC in goals scored this season with seven. She earned the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week award two weeks ago. Vetter has tallied 15 points on the season so far. 
 
COMBATING CONCORDIA… Concordia holds a 4-3-2 (4-1-1 NSIC) record on the year. Concordia has not been beaten in the last five games they have played. Most recently, they faced Northern State and MSU Moorhead. The Golden Bears played Northern state to a 1-1 draw, both goals being scored from penalty opportunities. Against MSU Moorhead, Concordia was able to seal a convincing 4-1 win. Goals were scored by Katie Anderson (2), Nikki Anderson and Clare Snapko. 
 
Junior Katie Anderson leads the team with six goals, which also notches her at second place in the conference. The San Diego, Calif. native was named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week earlier this season. 
 
TAILORED TIMELINE… Coming up next, the Peacocks will travel to Minnesota the following weekend in matchups against Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State. Upper Iowa will face the Eagles on Friday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. They will then head over to Bemidji to prepare to play the Beavers on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.