Last Time Out:
The Eagles pulled off a big upset win as they defeated Power 5 Conference member Alabama by a score of 4-2. This was the 9th win that the Eagles had against a Power 5 Conference team. The last win was last season where they defeated Arizona (1-0).
Ma's Career Goals:
Since joining FGCU fall 2017 after spending her freshman year at NCAA DII West Florida, junior striker, Marjorie "Ma" Boilesen, has been quite a tear lately. Last season, the GSC Player and Freshman of the Year, in her sophomore campaign, locked in 11 goals in her first season.
In the game against Alabama, the Sao Palo native scored her 13th goal of her career where she passed Ali Rogers, FGCU's current women's soccer direct of operations, and Olivia Elias (12) for 8th all-time. She is now four goals away from passing Gina Petracco (16) for 7th all-time in career goals.
Boilesen currently has two goals and an assist this season.
Along with Boilesen, her "tag team" partner this season that has been a big impact on the offensive front is fellow junior Evdokia Popadinova.
Popadinova, a native of Hadzhidimovo, Bulgaria, joined FGCU after spending her first two seasons with Northwestern Ohio (NAIA). The two-time NAIA All-American also has two goals and an assist.
Ma and Evi: A-SUN Legion of Doom?:
The question is "Why did I give Boilesen and Popadinova the name the A-SUN Legion of Doom?" The answer is because of their strong offense, I thought it would really describe the two of them.
Wecking Ball:
Even though she gave up the two goals against Alabama, junior goalkeeper Melissa Weck (2-0) has made a name for herself. The defending A-SUN Goalkeeper of the Year has five saves total, all from the game against Alabama.
As a result of her performance against Alabama, the defending A-SUN Goalkeeper of the Year was named A-SUN Defensive Player of the Week, her second in her career.
Poll Ranking:
FGCU moved up two spots to #6 in this weeks United Soccer Coaches South Region poll. USF ( 2-1-0) remains #1 while SMU (2-1-1) sneaks up to #2. So far, he Eagles are the only A-SUN squad ranked in the poll.
Scouting Niagara:
This will be the first time FGCU and Niagara will play each other as another "Battle of the Eagles" game, FGCU's second "Battle of the Eagles" matchup this season (first vs Georgia Southern).
After falling 4-1 in their opening game against Bucknell, they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Cleveland State.
The Purple Eagles are recently coming off of a 3-2 overtime win against Robert Morris. All three of the Niagara's goals came from off the bench from the feet of junior Hailey Bicknell and sophomores Veda Hensel and Alexis Horwedel. Horwedel's goal was the game-winner for the Purple Eagles.
Sophomore Sabrina Locas has started all three games for the Purple Eagles as starting goalkeeper. The Quebecois has 10 saves this season, although she gave up six goals with four being in the opening game against Bucknell.
Freshman Annie Ibey leads the team in goals. The two goals she had were in the 2-0 win against Cleveland State where she played off the bench. In the game against Robert Morris, Ibey got her first start of the season where had one assist and took seven shots. The Niagara Falls, Ontario native is averaging 3.67 shots per game. Ibey was rewarded for her efforts by being named the MAAC Rookie of the Week.
Scouting the Blue and Maze:
Like Niagara, this will be FGCU's first time play Michigan.
The Wolverines began their first four games at home with a 3-1 record (3-1 win vs Boston, 2-0 win vs Western Michigan, 3-2 win vs Marquette and a 3-1 loss to Louisville).
In their first game on the road, the Wolverines fell 4-0 to Wake Forest prior to playing FGCU as part of their two-game road trip.
Michigan's offense has been potent through four games, scoring nine goals including four from sophomore Nicki Hernandez who beat the keeper in all four of the Wolverines contests to start the season. In the 3-1 loss to Louisville, the Naperville native had the lone goal in the game
Fellow sophomore Izzy Nino (3-2) leads the way as the starting goalkeeper. Nino has nine saves, but has allowed all 10 goals this season. In the loss to Louisville, the Northville, Michigan native had one save while giving up all three goals. In Nino's second loss against Wake Forest, she allowed all four goals had two saves
How to Stay Updated:
Both games will be available livestream on the FGCU women's soccer Facebook page (Niagara) and ESPN+ (Michigan).
Livestats will also be provided for people who are unable to attend the game and/or do not have access to social media or are unable to watch on ESPN+.
The game against Michigan will be aired on ESPN+. The app cost $4.99 a month to watch the game.
Fans can also keep themselves updated from teams' Twitter accounts:
FGCU: @FGCU_WSoccer
Michigan: @UMichWSoccer
Niagara: @NiagaraWSOC
Promotions and Outings:
The game against Niagara will be a Greenout, so marketing is encouraging fans that show up to wear green to the game.
In addition, the following other promotions are also listed for the game with descriptions:
1. Schedule Poster Night: Free 2018 schedule posters will be given out.
2. Dirty Bird Pickup: Students can sign up to be Dirty Birds or pick up their gear.
3. Shirts For Shots: T-Shirts thrown out for every FGCU shot on goal.
4. Tour Guide Rec: FGCU campus tour guides will be recognized at halftime.
The game against Michigan will be dubbed as a Whiteout, so marketing is encouraging fans to wear white to the game.
1. Bounce House: Bounce house and penalty kick inflatable for fans to enjoy until halftime.
2. OL Recognition: FGCU orientation leaders will be recognized at halftime.
3. Dirty Bird Pickup: Students can sign up to be Dirty Birds or pick up their gear.
4. Shirts For Shots: T-Shirts thrown out for every FGCU shot on goal.
5. Youth Day: Fans 12 & under get into the game for free & receive an FGCU tattoo.
6. Freeze Pops: First 300 fans get a free freeze pop.
7. Futbol Sunday: Anyone in futbol gear gets a chance to win prizes after goals.
8. Poster Signing: Stay after the game to have your poster signed by the players.
Links:
Link to watch livestream vs Niagara: https://www.facebook.com/FGCUWSoccer/
Link to livestream vs Michigan: http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/a280ee58-59d7-4850-a9f6-7d67fe5d657e/michigan-vs-florida-gulf-coast
Livestats vs. Niagara: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=229953
Livestats vs. Michigan: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=229954
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