SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — After going 14-3-1 during the regular season, the Augustana women's soccer team is heading to the NSIC Tournament for the seventh-consecutive season. The Vikings 12-2-1 record in NSIC play has earned them the second seed in the tournament and they will face off against the Mustangs of Southwest Minnesota State (11-6) in the first round at Morstad Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. 

The Game
The Mustangs are riding a five-game win streak into the tournament while the Vikings boast a No. 4 ranking in the latest Central Region Standings. The winner of Wednesday's match will face the winner of UMary and Minnesota State. 

Augustana and Southwest Minnesota State played its regular season matchup on Sept. 20 in Marshall, Minnesota. The Vikings fell behind 1-0 early, but senior midfielder Jensen Froehlich tied the game just before the half. Augustana then took a 3-1 lead after scoring twice in 90 seconds just 12 minutes into the second half. Froehlich scored her second goal of the game and freshman forward Ally Young tallied her first-collegiate goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Claudia Pueschner preserved the 3-1 Vikings win by making an incredible save on an SMSU penalty kick. 

The Mustangs
The Mustangs come into their matchup with Augustana at 11-6 and are currently on a five-game win streak. SMSU went 9-6 in NSIC play and 4-4 on the road during the regular season. Senior Alli Miskowiec leads the Mustangs with ten goals, seven assists and 27 points on the season. Freshman goalkeeper Amanda Haimes has started all 17 games for SMSU, made 87 saves and posted six shutouts. Southwest Minnesota State was projected to finish at No. 15 in the 2019 NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll, but finished as the No. 7 team.

The Vikings
The Vikings are 17-4-1 in the all-time series with the Mustangs. Augustana is now on a six-game win streak against SMSU and has won 17 of the last 18 meetings. 

Freshman forward Josie Arduser broke the Augustana single-season assists record with her eighth assistlast Friday against Wayne State. Arduser assisted on senior forward Claire Dahm's seventh goal of the season. Dahm finished the regular season tied with fellow senior Grace Behm for the team lead in goals (7) and points (15). 

Overall, 13 different Vikings scored a goal during the regular season, while 16 different players tallied an assist. Augustana outscored its opponents 38-15, outshot them 352-228 and placed 186 of its shots on goal. With 38 goals and 33 assists, the Vikings recorded 109 points during the regular season and only allowed their opponents to record 43. 

Defensively, the Vikings have posted 11 shutouts, including seven in a row from Sept. 22 to Oct. 13. During that span, Augustana did not allow a goal in 749:43 minutes of game time. 

Player To Watch
After being held off the scoresheet in the first 10 matches of the season, sophomore forward Morgan Keirstead finished the regular season hot by scoring three goals in the final two games and tallying nine points in the last eight matches. 

One Last Thing
Augustana has posted a win in the first round of the NSIC Tournament in four-consecutive seasons. The last time the Mustangs and Vikings met up in the first round of the NSIC Tournament was the 2015 season. Augustana won that matchup 1-0 at Morstad Field. 

Tickets
NSIC dictates all ticket prices & policies for conference tournament play:
 
No pass list/no passes accepted.  All fans must pay
 
Individual Day Ticket Prices:
Adults $6
Seniors $4
Students (youth & college) $2
Age 5 & Under Free
 
If we were to host semis/championship - Weekend Pass (fri + sun) - All Games:
Adults $10
Seniors $6
Students (youth & college) $4
Age 5 & Under Free