SAN ANGELO – Two of the top Lone Star Conference teams arrive at the ASU Soccer Field this weekend to take on Angelo State in the first conference action of the season.

The Rambelles (2-2-0) host Midwestern State at 5 p.m. on Friday before taking on Abilene Christian at 1 p.m. on Sunday. MSU (0-4-0) was selected second in the LSC preseason poll behind ACU (2-2-0) which was slated first. The Mustangs and Wildcats both played in the NCAA Division II tournament last season with ACU advancing to the Elite Eight.

“These are two of the most important games for us this season and we need to come out ready to play,”  ASU head coach Travis McCorkle said. “These games are at home and are against the top-two teams from last year. It is a very important weekend for us and we have things to prove after losing both of our games last weekend.”

Angelo State enters the first weekend of LSC play following two in-region contests against Colorado Mesa and No. 5 Fort Lewis last weekend. The Belles were unable to score a goal in either contest but still come into conference action with an even record after starting the season with wins over Texas-Permian Basin and New Mexico Highlands.

Six freshmen have seen considerable action for the Rambelles this season, including Sierra Anderson and Lauren Bateman who each scored goals in the team's double overtime win over New Mexico Highlands. Senior captain Hanna Horeis leads ASU with 10 shots but has yet to find the back of the nets, while fellow senior captain Lauren Carnes leads the team with two assists but has been limited to two shots on goal through the first four games. Danielle Edwards, last week's LSC Defender of the Week, has made 12 saves this season.

“We have to get over our scoring slump,” McCorkle added. “We have a lot of freshman playing up front for us and we have to expedite the scoring curve right now. There's no time to waste. We have to get goals if we are going to get the results. We need to force the issue and play tough in the penalty area and be confident with the ball.”

Angelo State has outshot its opponents 56-34 this season but was outshot 28-16 in the two games last weekend.

Midwestern State comes into the weekend having lost games to Southwestern Oklahoma, No. 15 Central Oklahoma, Colorado Mesa and No. 5 Fort Lewis. MSU has been limited to two goals through the first four games of the season and have been outshot 56-31. Goalkeeper Mallory Whitworth has recorded 13 saves, while Kaila Maxey and Kensli Pounds have one goal each.

“They have played tough teams like us and they are also dealing with some injuries to key players,” McCorkle said. “I think they are going to come in here ready to play and wanting to get their first win of the season. They have had some struggles with scoring, like we have, early in the season but I also know that they have a lot of talent on their team.”

The Mustangs hold a 6-13-5 all-time advantage over the Rambelles in the all-time series. ASU has won four of the last six meetings though, including beating them 1-0 last season with a Maggie Schaffer goal in Wichita Falls in the conference opener. MSU won the final game of the season last year against ASU in a 2-1 decision and also upset Abilene Christian in the LSC tournament's title game.
 
KIDS DAY
Friday's game against Midwestern State is Kids Day at the ASU Soccer Field. The game starts at 5 p.m. and kids will have the opportunity to have team photos signed, meet Dominic the Ram, win free Double Dave's pizza at halftime and of course watch some great soccer.
“It's very important for us to be a part of the community and love seeing them come to our games,” McCorkle said. “Our girls are out there working with youth soccer teams and they really enjoy that interact. Our spring clinic is always a lot of fun and it is always a great feeling having their support on the sidelines and seeing them have a good time.”

Angelo State Rambelles (2-2-0) Leaders Goals: Sierra Anderson  (1), Lauren Bateman (1), Maggie Schaffer (1), Katie Squires (1). Assists: Lauren Carnes (2). Saves: Danielle Edwards (12) Results W, (2-0) Texas-Permian Basin W, (2-1 2ot) New Mexico Highlands L, (0-2) Colorado Mesa L, (0-3) No. 5 Fort Lewis

Midwestern State Mustangs (0-4-0) Leaders Goals: Kensli Pounds (1), Kaila Maxey (1) Assists: Pounds (1) Saves: Mallory Whitworth (13) Results L, (0-3) Fort Lewis L, (1-3) Colorado Mesa L, (1-3) Central Oklahoma L, (0-2) Southwestern Oklahoma