SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Augustana soccer (1-1-2, 0-0-1 NSIC) begins the NSIC stretch of its schedule starting this weekend, welcoming the two NSIC schools from North Dakota as well as honoring longtime Augustana supporter Kent Morstad and his family.

The Vikings take on U-Mary (3-0-0, 1-0-0 NSIC) at Morstad Field on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. to begin the weekend. Augustana rounds out the weekend with a matchup against Minot State (1-2-1, 0-1-0 NSIC) on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m.

Prior to the match against U-Mary on Saturday, Sept. 16 Augustana will be honoring the late Kent Morstad and his family with a Memorial Dedication.

Morstad Field Dedication
Former President Rob Oliver and former Director of Athletics Bill Gross announced in 2011 that Augustana's soccer facility would be named Morstad Field, recognizing a gift from alumni Kent and Judy Morstad, longtime supporters of the University.

Kent Morstad, a Sioux Falls native and a graduate of Washington High School, graduated from Augustana in 1958 and attended the University of Minnesota for graduate work in mortuary science. He joined Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls in 1968 and was named partner in 1972 and retired in 2006 after 38-years with the firm.

Kent passed away on June 4, 2017 at the age of 81. Kent is survived by his wife Judy, and his children, Jill Morstad (Andy Miller), Nina (Rob) Ulrich, Paul (Lisa) Morstad, Bret Morstad, Kari Morstad and his six grandchildren.

Scouting U-Mary
The Marauders are 3-0-0 (1-0-0 NSIC) to begin the season, including a NSIC win over Minot State to open the season. Last season, U-Mary went 4-10-3 (4-9-2 NSIC) and finished 13th in the NSIC.

Augustana leads the all-time series against U-Mary 5-4-1, including three straight wins against the Marauders. Augustana defeated U-Mary in Bismarck, N.D. last season, 4-1, on Sept. 18, 2016.

Scouting Minot State
The Beavers are 1-2-1 (0-1 NSIC) to begin the season and will take on Wayne State on Sept. 16 before taking on the Vikings.

Last season, Minot State went 16-3-1 (14-0-1 NSIC) and won their first ever NSIC regular season title. The Beavers fell to Central Oklahoma in the Central Regional.

Augustana leads the all-time series against Minot State, 5-3, after they split the two meeting last season. Minot State won in the regular season meeting, 3-0, but Augustana won in the NSIC tournament semifinals, 2-1.

Quick Kicks

• Augustana has recorded back-to-back shutouts for the first time since last season when they shutout Sioux Falls (1-0) on Oct. 30, 2016 and Minnesota Duluth (1-0) on Nov. 2, 2016.
• The Vikings have not lost in overtime in their last 15 overtime matches (8-0-7). Their last overtime loss came Oct. 18, 2013 against Minot State, 2-1, in Minot, N.D.

Machacek Named NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week

• Senior goalie Taylor Machacek was Named the NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week on Sept. 11.
• Machacek posted two shutouts at the Minot State Classic over the weekend against #17 Fort Hays State and Emporia State.
• It was Machacek's third career NSIC Player of the Week honor.