SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Augustana soccer team kicks off the 2017 season with a pair of home contests, including a conference matchup and a showdown with a nationally ranked opponent.

The Vikings open the season against NSIC opponent Wayne State on Thursday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. at Morstad Field. Thursday will mark the first time that Augustana opens a season against a conference opponent. Augustana is 7-8-2 all-time in season openers and are 2-2-1 in home season openers.

Augustana closes out opening weekend with a clash against No. 5 Central Missouri on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. at Morstad Field.

Scouting Wayne State
In 2016, the Wildcats recorded their first winning season (9-6-3) since 2010 and finished ninth in the NSIC standings with a conference record of 6-6-3. Wayne State was tabbed to finish 11th in the Preseason NSIC Poll.

Augustana leads the series history with a record of 8-3-2. Wayne State won the first three meetings by a combined score of 21-2, but Augustana hasn't lost in the last 10 meetings (8-0-2). Last year the Vikings and Wildcats played to an 1-1 tie in Wayne, Neb. on Sept. 9, 2016.
Scouting Central Missouri
Last season the Jennies went 21-2 advancing to the NCAA Quarterfinals before falling to national runner-up Grand Valley State, 3-1. The Jennies have advanced to three
straight NCAA Quarterfinals.

The Jennies were selected as preseason favorites in the Preseason MIAA Poll. The Jennies have won seven straight MIAA regular season championships and three consecutive MIAA tournament titles.

Central Missouri leads the series history with a 3-0 advantage. The Jennies have outscored the Vikings 7-1 in their three meetings. Last year, the Jennies won, 3-0, in Warrensburg, Mo. on Sept. 3, 2016.
Quick Kicks
    - The Vikings earned their fourth consecutive 10-win season last year and their the sixth in the program's 18-year history
    - Augustana returns six All-NSIC recipients from last season: Ellie Knowles (1st), Brooke Bleeker (2nd), Samantha Tymkowicz (2nd), Taylor Machacek (3rd), Rebekah Thoresen (3rd)     and Hannah Keirstead (HM).
    - In the last four seasons (2013-16) Augustana holds a 30-5 record at Morstad Field, including a 7-1 mark last season. The Vikings are 43-18-5 all-time at Morstad Field.
    - Of the 38 goals the Vikings scored last season, the players returning account for 33 of those goals.
    - The Vikings return their goalkeeper and their entire starting defense from last season. Goalie Taylor Machacek and defenders Brooke Bleeker, Hannah Keirstead and Rebekah     Thoresen started every match last season.

Up Next
The Vikings will travel to Minot, N.D. next weekend for the Minot State Classic, where Augustana will take on a pair of MIAA opponents. Augustana opens the tournament against No. 14 Fort Hays State on Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. The Vikings wrap up the weekend against Emporia State on Sept. 10 at 11 a.m.