When the Massachusetts women’s soccer team returns from its trip to Pennsylvania four games will remain before the regular season concludes.
With that in mind, UMass (7-6, 2-1 Atlantic 10) coach Ed Matz has labeled this weekend’s matches against Saint Joseph’s and Temple on Friday and Sunday, respectively, as “critical” for all involved.
“I think both these (teams) are similar in the way they play,” Matz said. “And they are like us, fighting for one of those last eight spots, and it will be an important weekend for us.”
The Minutewomen begin the weekend with a showdown against the Hawks (6-5-2, 1-1-1 A-10), following a rainy week of practice. Though ideal practice was hard to come due to the weather, Matz still believes his team is prepared for the trip.
“It was a tough week with the rain and the weather and the condition of the fields,” Matz said. “But I think it was as good of week of preparation as we could (have) given the circumstances.”
For Saint Joseph’s, Friday’s contest marks its first home match in its A-10 schedule, as well as the first road match for UMass in conference play. The Minutewomen, however, have the momentum going into the game with a pair of wins to ride on, while the Hawks come into the match on the back of a loss to St. Bonaventure.
Mo Hawkins tops Saint Joseph’s scoring charts with five goals through the first 13 games. However, Nicole King, Taylor Mallory and Ali Yozwiak have all added two goals during the season.
Matz said he recognizes the scoring ability the Hawks possess, and said his team is working to force opponents to take uncomfortable shots.
Moa Mattsson will be key towards getting on the end of those services, turning chances into goals. Mattsson has scored in four of the past six games, all Minutewomen wins.
Owls next for UMass
UMass also has the Owls (4-8-2, 1-2-0 A-10) lurking on the horizon.
Despite Temple’s underwhelming six goals in 14 games, Matz hasn’t paid attention to their offensive struggles.
“We don’t pay too much attention to the other team’s statistics,” Matz said. “But we do know they haven’t allowed many goals, so we’ll need to be careful that they don’t score early on and then do a good job of sitting back and defending. We’re more concerned with ourselves, and what we can bring to the table, and how we can win the game on our own.”
The Owls have conceded just 13 goals – with just two first half scores allowed –throughout the season, which is tied for fourth amongst A-10 teams. Their defensive strength will be a challenge for the Minutewomen, who have scored first in all of their wins, including early goals against Rhode Island and Xavier.
However, Matz isn’t concerned with scoring early, rather finding the right moments and making them count.
“In how we prepare for the game, in our focus, and our intensity, those things are all important to us,” Matz said. “And we discuss that with the players, how we can come out with what is important to us.”
The weekend begins for the Minutewomen at 7 p.m on Friday at Finnesey Field, in Philadelphia against the Hawks. UMass then travels to Ambler, Pa. on Sunday to play Temple at 1 p.m.
Jeffrey Okerman can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @MDC_Okerman.
