VERMILLION, S.D. – The South Dakota Coyotes will begin conference play Friday and Sunday against St. Thomas and Western Illinois at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex. The Yotes are amidst a five-game home stand and a four-game win streak.

The Rundown
    Opponents: St. Thomas & Western Illinois
    Dates: Friday @ 6 p.m. | Sunday @ 1 p.m.
    Site: First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex
    Stream: GoYotes.com/watch
    Live Stats: GoYotes.com
    Game Notes: USD
 
THE YOTES ON FOUR GAME WIN STREAK
The Yotes capped off a stellar non-conference season with a win over Iowa State which marked the first win over a Power-Five opponent in program history. After a few overtime games, the Yotes are picking up where they left off last season.
Four games ties the longest nonconference win streak the Yotes have had since the 2019 season when they won four of their last five games of the non-conference season. USD is tied for the longest current win streak in the Summit League.

NATIONAL RANKINGS
The Yotes defense has been making a name for themselves on the nationally level ranking in the top 10 in several categories. USD ranks third in save percentage, ninth in goals against average and fifth in shutout percentage. The Yotes also tied for the most shutouts thus far in the Summit League.
Emma Harkleroad ranks fourth in goals against average and third in save percent- age in the nation. She leads the conference with four shutouts on the season and has a 4-0-2 record on the season.

SERIES HISTORY VS ST. THOMAS
This is the first matchup between the two teams all-time.

SERIES HISTORY VS WESTERN ILLINOIS
The Yotes hold a 9-3-1 record all-time dating back to 2010. USD has a five game win streak over the Leathernecks.

A LOOK ACROSS THE PITCH
St. Thomas is heading into its first ever Summit League match at the Division I level this Friday. The Tommies completed their move from DIII to DI this past summer. On the pitch, the Tommies tied with Northern Iowa in their first ever DI game, but since then the tide has not been on their side only picking up two wins thus far on the season.
After losing their first two games of the season, the Leathernecks have not lost since reeling off six straight wins and one tie. WIU will face off against begin conference play at SDSU on Friday before traveling to Vermillion.

LAST TIME OUT
The Yotes defeated Iowa State to cap off their nonconference season in style recording their first win over a Power-5 opponent. USD heads into conference action on a four-game win streak.

CATCHING UP WITH THE YOTES