ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – After starting MIAC play with a shutout Wednesday afternoon, the College of Saint Benedict soccer team has a quick turnaround into a busy weekend. CSB plays two games against two tough opponents, including a road match at No. 16 St. Thomas.
 
Both game times have been adjusted for the weekend because of the MIAC's new weather policy. Due to the hot, humid forecast for the weekend, CSB takes on the Tommies at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 in St. Paul, and UW-Eau Claire at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, in St. Joseph. Both games were moved to try and avoid the hottest part of the day to comply with the league's weather policy. The complete policy can be viewed here: https://www.miacathletics.com/about/resources/administrators/policies/AppendixF.pdf.
 
About the Tommies
St. Thomas is currently 4-1 overall and ranked 16^th in the latest United Soccer Coaches Division III poll. The Tommies' only loss came in their first game of the season, and since then they have four straight shutouts – including a 4-0 win at then-No. 9 UW-La Crosse. Four players have two goals each for St. Thomas, and Kate Heimer leads the team with four assists. In net, Olivia Elvidge has four games played and a 0.53 goals-against average.
 
About the Blugolds
Eau Claire is 2-3 with wins against Macalester and St. Norbert, but two of its three losses have been by a single goal, and one came in double overtime. Emily Sullivan leads the team with four goals and Monica Zoellner has two goals and two assists. Sammie Lefaive has played every game in net so far and has 24 saves and a 1.34 goals-against average.
 
The Storyline
After starting the conference season with a 3-0 shutout of Concordia Wednesday, CSB looks to use that momentum into a big weekend against a pair of quality opponents. The team evened its record at 2-2 with the win, and Saint Benedict is trying to stay about .500 as it jockeys for a top spot in the MIAC as the season wears on.
 
Who to Watch
Megan Thompson scored her first and second goals of the season Wednesday to help her team to a win over Concordia. Both she and Clara Noack each have two goals to their names, and senior Sydney Sherek scored her first goal of the season. Junior Kendall Koenen has been solid in net, and first year Kayli Thulin is a good option at backup if need be for Saint Benedict.