Women's Soccer | August 6

DeKalb Ill. - The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team opened their 2023 exhibition slate on Sunday (Aug. 6) as they played three, 30-minute periods against Milwaukee. Everyone saw the field for the Huskies as the coaches looked to use this as a chance to evaluate their roster.

"We played everyone equal minutes, 45 minutes, we got to see everyone play. New players, returners, we mixed the two groups together. We got a ton out of today; the staff will sit down and watch the game back this week and see what areas we need to improve on," NIU head coach Michael O'Neill said.

O'Neill, who is in his second season in charge of the Huskies, has enjoyed the intense first week of practice.

"It's been fun, it's been enjoyable working with the group. Getting the new players acclimated, the girls have worked hard, we've thrown a lot of information at them, and they have continued to show growth and problem solve as they have gone through each day. We're only five days in, but definitely some promising signs with how they're working together," O'Neill said.

The Huskies began just five days ago and will have one more exhibition game as they travel to Lindenwood on Saturday, August 12. O'Neill will be looking to see how his team responds physically to the short turnaround so early in preseason.

"I'm hoping after today's game they can rest their legs a little bit and get ready for another game in just five minutes time," O'Neill said.

After the final exhibition, the Huskies open the 2023 campaign in Macomb as they take on Western Illinois on Thursday, August 17. The Huskie home opener will come on Thursday, August 24 against Eastern Illinois.