VERMILLION, S.D. – After three strong preseason exhibitions and nearly two weeks of practice, it's time for the Coyotes to get their regular season slate started in Cedar Falls Thursday afternoon against Northern Iowa.
The Coyotes have been busy to get ready for the season, taking on the Big East's Creighton and two Big 10 foes in Iowa and Minnesota in exhibitions over the last two weeks.
"The exhibition matches were challenging but productive," Head coach
Michael Thomas said. "We deliberately put players out of their comfort zone with the three games we scheduled and watching the growth of the younger players has been really rewarding."
Now, the preseason portion of the schedule is done and the regular season is ready to begin Thursday. The Coyotes face Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls at 4 p.m. Thursday. The home opener at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex is against Morningside at 1 p.m. Sunday.
THE COYOTES
South Dakota returns seven starters from last season, including the team's leading goal scorer,
Ashby Johnston (Gr., Corona, Calif.). Johnston scored eight goals, the most in a single season since 2019 (Kellee Willer, 8).
This week opens a non-conference schedule that includes some big rematches from last season and some new opponents. The Coyotes see Wyoming and Drake again this season, face Eastern Washington and Northern Colorado for the first time since 2019, play Portland State for the second time in the last three seasons, and matchup with Kansas State and Central Michigan for the first time in program history.
"We are excited to get into the non-conference portion of the season," Thomas shared. "We have an entertaining and challenging set of games for the fans to come see."
The Coyotes are looking to win their season opener for the first time since a 1-0 win over Northern State to open the 2021 season. Sunday, the Coyotes will look to win their first home opener since the Northern State win in 2021.
THE OPPONENTS
Northern Iowa enters the 2024 season off a historic 2023 campaign. The Panthers set program records in goals, assists, points, and shots on goal. The Panthers won 13 matches, including a 7-0-1 record in non-conference play.
Morningside (Iowa) was picked fourth in the NAIA's Great Plains Athletic Conference for this season. Morningside won 10 matches last season, including a 3-2-1 non-conference record. The Mustangs averaged 2.11 goals per game, allowing 1.72 goals per game.
SERIES HISTORY
The Coyotes and Panthers have met 16 times since 2007, including a 3-1 loss for the Coyotes in Vermillion last fall. Over the last five matches, the Coyotes and Panthers have split the series with two wins each and a tie, but the Panthers have won the last two meetings.
The Coyotes and Mustangs met for the first time since 2001 last fall in Vermillion, with South Dakota winning 7-0. USD has won each of the four previous matchups between the two programs.
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
The Coyotes' match at Northern Iowa will be broadcasted on ESPN+ with a paid subscription. All of USD's home matches will be streamed live on the Summit League Network through Midco Sports Plus this season.
