DEKALB, Ill. -- The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team returns home on Thursday, Oct. 4, as the Huskies host Ball State. Kickoff against the Cardinals is scheduled for 2 p.m. NIU will be celebrating the Mid-American Conference's Diversity and Inclusion Week at Thursday's contest and, in honor of national taco day, a $5 nacho and soda special will be available. 

"I biggest thing that I am excited about is the quick turnaround," said NIU head coach Julie Colhoff. "Sunday obviously didn't leave the best taste in our mouths, so it is exciting to come out a day earlier (than normal) and try to right some wrongs. I think heading into tomorrow's match everyone is anxious to prove that wasn't our best performance and show that we can play better and showcase ourselves on our home field."

The Huskies are coming off a setback against defending MAC champion Toledo this past Sunday. Junior Kyleigh Dominguez (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) scored NIU's lone goal against the Rockets, converting from the penalty spot in the 21st minute; Dominguez has scored in two of the last three games for the Huskies. 

Dominguez is currently tied for the team lead in scoring with freshman Trudy Quidzinski (Green Bay, Wis./Notre Dame Academy). 

The Cardinals of Ball State come to DeKalb with a 5-3-2 overall record, including a 1-2-1 mark in conference play. Last time out, Ball State played to a 1-1 draw at Ohio (Sept. 30). Tatiana Mason has four goals and nine points to lead the Cardinals in scoring while Tristin Stuteville has appeared in all 10 matches in goal, posting a 0.87 goals against average and a .812 save percentage. 

Miami comes into the weekend with a 2-8-1 mark and is still looking for its first conference victory after dropping its first four, including a 4-1 setback last time out at Kent State (Sept. 30). Lyda Bogdanovitch is pacing the RedHawks with three goals while Pat Koutoulas has played in all 11 matches between the posts and has a 1.59 goals against average and a .764 save percentage. 

Following this weekend, the Huskies will close the home portion of the regular season on Homecoming weekend in DeKalb as they host Eastern Michigan on Friday, Oct. 12, and Central Michigan on Sunday, Oct. 14.