Augustana University Athletics

This week: Augustana (4-6-2, 3-3-1 NSIC) concludes its home schedule for the 2010 season this weekend with a pair of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference contests.  On Saturday at 1 p.m., the Vikings take on Minnesota Duluth (7-3-2, 7-1-0), followed by another 1 p.m. match on Sunday against Bemidji State (10-1-0, 7-1-0).

 
Salute to the seniors: On Saturday, Augustana will celebrate Senior Day as a tribute the elders on the team.  The Vikings' roster features eight seniors: Katie Bowman, Jenna Doerneman, Alex Forder, Ciara Godfrey, Jill Goodrich, Kelli Goodrich, Stephanie Goos and Katie Shandri. 

Series records: Augustana is 2-7 against Minnesota Duluth (all-time scores vs. Minnesota Duluth).  Augustana last played UMD on Nov. 1, 2009, falling to the Bulldogs 1-0 in overtime.  The Vikings first met Bemidji State in 2003 and are 1-3-1 in the against the Beavers (all-time scores vs. Bemidji State).  Since 2007, Augustana has been in two double-overtime situations with the Beavers and one overtime match (last season).  The result of those matches was two losses and one tie for the Vikings.                

Last time out: Augustana lost its first home match of the season last Friday against Minnesota State.  The 2-0 loss was followed by a 3-1 victory Sunday afternoon against Southwest Minnesota State.  Jessie Huff, Maren Werth and Jill Goodrich each netted a goal for the Vikings, contributing to the win.             

Kick it: After the three goals last weekend, the Vikings now have six players that have scored goals this season.  Katie Bowman was the first Viking to score for Augustana, finding the back of the net on Sept. 10 to help record the first win of the season against Minnesota State Moorhead.  Katie Shandri also netted a goal during that match against Minnesota State Moorhead and has scored three goals since then to earn the title of the leading scorer for the Vikings.  Stacy Dally has kicked three balls past goalkeepers and now Jessie Huff, Maren Werth and Jill Goodrich make the list of Viking scorers as well.  

Category leaders: Katie Shandri leads five statistical categories for the Vikings.  The midfielder leads Augustana in points (9), goals (4), shots (30), shots-on-goal (16) and game wining goals (2).  However, Shandri doesn't take all of the titles as Stacy Dally and Kate Timmons both lead the Vikings in assists with two each.          

Overtime: The Vikings are two-double-overtime matches away from tying last season's record of seven-double-overtime matches.  Augustana has yet to win a double-overtime match this season, losing three and tying two.                

Goalie goddess: Amanda Wagner owns a 4-6-2 (3-3-1 NSIC) record as the starting goalkeeper for the Vikings. Wagner has made 82 stops on the season to earn a .862 save percentage. She has allowed 13 goals and recorded one shutout against Minnesota, Crookston.

The elders: Augustana returns 20 players to this season's roster. Among them are sophomore Jessie Huff and junior Kate Timmons who were named 2010 Preseason Players to Watch in the 2010 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Huff scored seven goals last season, while Timmons recorded one assist.

The coach: Augustana head coach Brandon Barkus enters his fifth season on the Vikings sideline in 2010. Barkus owns a record of 37-40-12 at Augustana. In 2008 Barkus' squad put together the most successful season in school history, finishing 13-6-1 and 10-3 in NSIC play. The 2008 team also made the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in school history. Barkus is assisted by Clay Glasgow and Dale Weiler.

According to the coaches: The Vikings were selected to finish sixth in the annual NSIC preseason poll, which was voted on by the 14 head coaches. Augustana received 104 points in the poll. Winona State's nine first-place votes and 162 points led them to nab the top spot, while Minnesota State, Minnesota Duluth, St. Cloud State and U-Mary also came in ahead of the Vikings.

History lesson: Viking soccer enters its 11th year of competition in 2010. Augustana owns an all-time record of 61-125-15 with one NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008.

Captains: Head Coach Brandon Barkus announced three captions for the 2010 season. Senior defender Jill Goodrich, senior midfielder Stephanie Goos and junior defender Kate Timmons will lead the Vikings. This marks Goodrich's third season as team captain.

Stay connected: Follow Augustana all season long at www.GoAugie.com. The Vikings are also on Facebook and Twitter; just log onto www.facebook.com/GoAugie and www.twitter.com/GoAugie. To catch even more Viking action log onto Augustana's official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/GoAugie.