Live Stats
The moment Blazer soccer fans have been waiting for since 2013 has finally arrived. The CSB soccer field is set to reopen tomorrow (Sept. 1), as the Blazers open their season hosting the University of Minnesota-Morris. The team played its entire 2014 season at Saint John's while its own field was undergoing surgery on its playing surface, bleacher seating, backstop and press box areas.
Â
The Schedule:
Saint Benedict vs. University of Minnesota-Morris, 5 p.m., Sept. 1, CSB Soccer Field
Â
Preseason Conference Coaches Polls:
CSB: First place, MIAC
UMM: Second place, UMAC
Â
2014 Record:
CSB: 14-4-1 (8-3-0 MIAC); Finished T-3rd in the MIAC, lost to St. Thomas in the MIAC Quarterfinals
UMM: 14-6-1 (12-1-1 UMAC); Finished 2nd in the UMAC and fell to St. Scholastica in the UMAC Championship game
Â
Who to Watch:
CSB:
Sr. M Peggy Renier (All-Region 2nd team, All-MIAC)
Sr. F Aly Hoffman (Blazer MVP and Attacker of the Year, All-Region 2nd team, All-MIAC)
Sr. D Ellie Mullen (Blazer Defender of the Year, All-Region 2nd team, All-MIAC)
Â
UMM:
So. M Molly Hancuh (UMAC Rookie of the Year)
Jr. K Terri Jordan (All-Region 3rd team, All-UMAC)
Sr. D Emma LaChance (All-UMAC)
Â
About the Cougars:
The Cougars lost eight key players from last year's UMAC Runner-up team, but do return three All-UMAC players in Hancuh, Jordan, and LaChance. Last year, their stout defense let in just 12 goals in 21 matches, while their offense scored 50. That offense was led by Hancuh and LaChance, who combined to score 22 goals and dish out 12 assists.
Â
Last Time:
The Blazers and Cougars have not lined up against each other since Morris came to St. Joseph to open the 2010 season. The Blazers won that game in overtime, scoring in the 99th minute on a header off a cross pass. The Cougars have since gone 0-7 against MIAC teams.
Â
The Storyline:
            After a disappointing shootout loss to St. Thomas in November, the Blazers have been waiting all spring and summer for a chance to rectify that upset. However, the story of the day will be the Blazers' return to campus at Saint Benedict. This will be their first true home game since they shut out Wisconsin Eau-Claire 1-0 on October 27, 2013. Last year they went 7-1-1 playing their home games at John Haws Field at Saint John's in Collegeville. Â