University of Minnesota Athletics
Soccer Travels to Georgia and Kennesaw State
8/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Southern Comfort
Minnesota heads south this weekend to take on the Georgia Bulldogs and the Kennesaw State Owls. On Friday, Aug. 28, the Golden Gophers match-up with the Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m., and on Aug. 30, they tangle with the Owls in a 1:00 p.m. tilt.
The Records
Minnesota enters the week unblemished after one contest, with a 1-0-0 record. Georgia also boasts a 1-0-0 mark, while Kennesaw State fell in their opener, and sits at 0-1-0.
The Series
This will be the first meeting for the Golden Gophers with each team. Against the Southeastern Conference (home of UGA) however, Minnesota is 7-5-2 all-time. This is the first time the Golden Gophers will be playing a team from the Atlantic Sun Conference (home of KSU).
Watch Live
Fans can follow the Golden Gophers on the road through live stats and live video, courtesy of Georgia and Kennesaw State. To access each visit www.georgiadogs.com on Friday, and www.ksuowls.com on Sunday.
Last Time Out
In the season opener on Aug. 21, Minnesota earned a resounding 4-0 win over South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits last two losses have now come from the Golden Gophers, as Minnesota ended their season last year with a 2-0 win in the NCAA Tournament.
Next Up
After this weekend, the Golden Gophers return home on Sept. 4 and 6 to host Tennessee and North Dakota State, respectively.
Lookin' To Go 3-0
The Golden Gophers will be looking to improve to 3-0 on the season, when they travel to Georgia. Nine times the Golden Gophers have earned the a win in the season opener, and seven of those times, they were able to improved to 2-0 following the second game. Another four of those times they were able to run their record to 3-0.
Road Openers
The Golden Gophers are 9-5-2 all-time in their first road match of the season. In last season's road opener, Minnesota bettered Montana 2-1.
Ranked Opponents
Ranked #16 in the latest NSCAA Top-25 poll, Georgia is the first ranked opponent for the Golden Gophers in 2009. Also in the poll, future opponents Penn State (8) and Illinois (13) are currently ranked while Tennessee, Purdue, Michigan State, Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Ohio State are all receiving votes.
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In the Tournament
In only their second game of the season, The Golden Gophers are already taking on their second NCAA Tournament team from a year ago. In all, eight opponents this season were in the postseason in 2008, including five in the first seven matches. Along with South Dakota State and Georgia, other tournament teams include Tennessee, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette, Illinois, Penn State, and Michigan State.
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Non-Conference Winning Streak
The Golden Gophers improved their regular season non-conference winning streak to 12 straight with the win over South Dakota State. A tie on 9/21/07 was the last time the Golden Gophers were held without a win in the nonconference season. Minnesota is unbeaten in it's last 13 regular season nonconference matches dating back to a loss on 9/14/07.
Five Straight in the Regular Season
Minnesota has won five straight regular season matches, beginning with a 2-0 win over Ohio State On Oct. 19 last season. In 2008, Minnesota opened the season with 10 straight wins, and the record winning streak for the Golden Gophers is 13 in row, from Sept. 14 to Oct. 26 in 1997.
On Top of the Big Ten
The Golden Gophers have picked up where they left off. After the first weekend of the season, Minnesota sit atop the conference with Purdue, Illinois, Indiana and Penn State. Purdue was the only team to go 2-0 in the first weekend.
17th in the Nation
After being ranked #19 in the preseason poll, the Golden Gophers have improved to #17 after opening the season with a win. At #17, this is the highest Minnesota has been ranked during the regular season since a #10 ranking in the 1997 season.
National Recognition
The Golden Gophers are in the top-25 among other national polls as well. In the Soccer Times Top-25 Poll, Minnesota is ranked #18 and in the Soccer America poll, the Golden Gophers are number #24.
4th in the Region
In the Great Lakes Regional Poll, Minnesota ranks fourth, behind three fellow Big Ten Teams. Penn State is #1, ahead of Illinois at #2 and Purdue at #3.
Do You Need My Assistance
The Golden Gophers Molly Rouse is the Big Ten assist leader after one weekend. No other player had more than one, leaving Rouse as the leader in assists (2) and assists per match (2.0).
Tough To Beat At the Robbie
Minnesota has won 13 straight home matches, dating back to last season and their 12-0-0 mark at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium. The win over South Dakota State extended their record streak, and Minnesota will look to add to it when they return home on Sept. 4.
State Fair
The Golden Gophers will be at the Minnesota State fair on Tuesday Sept. 1. They will be appearing at 2:00 pm.
Four Goals
The four goal performance in the season opener, is something rarely seen in the Mikki Denney Wright era. Since Denney Wright took over, only twice before had the Golden Gophers scored four or more goals. In the 2008 opener, 5-0 over Northern Iowa, and in 2007, 4-0 over Montana.
Facebook/Twitter
Follow the Golden Gophers on Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook search "Golden Gopher Soccer" and on Twitter search @gophersoccer.
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