Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: SPORTS

Media Credit: Roberto Rodriguez Mean Green mid-fielder Danielle Herron collides with Xavier's Ali Nellis during a game Sunday August 31, 2008. The Mean Green will take on Oklahoma tonite at 7 p.m.

Media Credit: Roberto Rodriguez Mean Green mid-fielder Linsey Lackore attempts to get back on her feet as Xavier's Andrea Meyer defends her during a game Sanday. The Mean Green Will take on Oklahoma tonite at 7 p.m.

The NT soccer team hopes to build on the momentum it gained after two wins last weekend when it plays the University of Oklahoma Sooners at 7 p.m. tonight at the North Texas Soccer Field.

NT (2-0) won its first two games of the season against Louisiana Tech University and Xavier University of Louisiana on Friday and Sunday.

"Oklahoma is a real quick team," head coach John Hedlund said. "They are faster than any team we have faced so far."

The Sooners (1-2) are coming into the game after their first win of the season 2-1 against Ball State University on Sunday.

They lost their first two games to Colorado College and Central Michigan University.

The Mean Green played the Sooners last season in Norman, Okla., falling short 1-0.

The game is still fresh in the minds of NT players.

"We were going after them all game last year," junior midfielder Kendall Juett said. "They got a lucky breakaway to score after one of our defenders fell down."

The Sooners roster includes their leading goal-scorer from last season, sophomore forward Whitney Palmer.

Palmer scored six goals last season, including the game-winner against the Mean Green.

"She is extremely fast," Hedlund said. "We are going to have to contain her as much as we can."

The Mean Green will face the Sooners without junior midfielder Gennifer Hurst, its lone goal-scorer against Xavier, because she was sidelined Tuesday at practice with a tight tear in her calf muscle.

Hedlund said he expects Hurst to be out for as long as two weeks.

"We had planned on implementing a new offense that would get her more involved," Hedlund said. "We are going to miss her speed."

NT has outshot its opponents 31-6, but has only been able to muster three goals between the first two games.

"We are still working on our chemistry," Juett said. "The more we keep playing together, the more it will start clicking."

With two wins under its belt, the team hopes this game will add to the early season momentum.

"This game is huge," Hedlund said. "Winning builds confidence, not only with the players but the coaches, too. We are pretty excited to get off to a good start."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools