Women's Soccer Continues Strong WHAC Play

Women's Soccer Continues Strong WHAC Play

Coach Steve Shelton and the Women's soccer team will continue WHAC play this week with two road matches. The Cardinals will travel to Detroit, Michigan Wednesday afternoon at 1pm to face the Mustangs of Marygrove (0-4,0-0). Live stats and video will be available Wednesday afternoon versus Marygrove. A trip to Grand Rapids on Saturday, October 3rd will have the Cardinals face the Saints of Aquinas (3-2-2, 0-0-1).

After a tough preseason schedule that saw the Cardinals face two NCAA DII teams in Northwood University (4-0) and Ferris State (1-2 2OT)as well as two NAIA nationally ranked opponents, Coach Shelton's has his squad prepared for the competitive WHAC opponents. The Cardinals currently sit atop the WHAC conference at 2-0 and have an overall record of 6-3-1. The combination of a competitive schedule and successful record has raised the national profile of the Cardinals helping them receive votes in the NAIA Women's Soccer poll.

Statistically, the Cardinals have dominated opponents with their well-balanced attacking offense. The Cardinals have more shot attempts then their opponents by a wide margin of 184-97 which has resulted in 23 goals to their opponents 9. 10 different Cardinals have scored goals this year with Julia Palushaj (SO/Northville, MI) leading the team with 9 which also puts her 3rd in the conference overall. Maria Lulgjuraj (FR/West Bloomfield, MI) has been steady in front of the net and has been recognized accordingly when she received WHAC Defensive Player of the Week. While Maria has not seen consistent pressure from opponents because of the Cardinals dominate ball control, but has been successful when called upon. She has tallied 31 saves to go along with 3 complete game shutouts.

The next home game will be on Wednesday, October 7th at 4pm when the Cardinals will look to continue their undefeated streak on the pro-turf field. The Cardinals are 11-0-1 at the field and will host nationally ranked WHAC opponent, (17) Siena Heights.