VERMILLION, S.D. – At the midway point of the non-conference slate, the Coyotes are balancing with a 2-2-1 record and have a pair of matches this week to build up momentum for conference play.
 
Last week saw the Coyotes split their two matches, winning Thursday against Drake 3-2 and falling at Kansas State 3-0 Sunday. Two Coyotes scored their second goals of the season against Drake, picking up their fifth win in the last six matches against the Bulldogs.
 
The Coyotes are still looking for their first road win and will get an opportunity to get that victory Thursday at Central Michigan before returning home to face Portland State Sunday.
 
THE COYOTES
USD's three goals against Drake is the most the Coyotes have scored against a Division I opponent since Sept. 21, 2023, against St. Thomas. Izzy Quintavalle and Ashby Johnston scored their second goals of the season Thursday.
 
While Johnston and Quintavalle have two goals, Brooklyn Bordson leads the team with two assists. The Coyotes have more shots (72-57) and shots on goal (33-23) than their opponents to this point in the season and will look to continue capitalizing on those extra chances moving forward.
 
Sunday's match at Kansas State was the first time this season that the Coyotes only used one keeper, as Cambell Fischer pitched a shutout first half, totaling a season-high five saves in the match.
 
THE OPPONENTS
Central Michigan enters Thursday's contest coming off back-to-back scoreless outings in Texas last week, falling to Receiving Votes TCU 3-0 and No. 14 Texas 2-0. The Chippewas have scored two goals this season, both coming in their lone home game to this point, a 2-1 win over Cincinnati. The Chippewas are 1-3 to start the season.
 
Portland State is just three matches into their young season and are 0-3 to start the year. After opening season at Boise State (2-1 loss) and Oregon (2-0 loss), the Vikings lost in 2-0 fashion at home to Kansas State on Aug. 22 in their last match. Portland State is at Omaha Friday before coming to Vermillion for Sunday's showdown at First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex.
 
SERIES HISTORY
Thursday will be first meeting between Central Michigan and South Dakota. Meanwhile, Portland State and South Dakota have met one time previously, a 2-2 draw at Portland State in 2022.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
The Central Michigan match scheduled for noon on Thursday in Mount Pleasant, Mich. will be available to watch online at cmuchippewas.com/watch. The Coyotes home match Sunday at 1 p.m. will be streamed on the Summit League Network on Midco Sports Plus. You can also follow @SDCoyotesSoccer on X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook for more content.