Redhawks soccer prepares for Eastern Illinois

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The Southeast Missouri State University soccer team is home for its first home conference game Friday against Eastern Illinois.

Coach Heather Nelson says it’s a big game. Both teams are coming in with a 2-0 record in conference play.

"I rate them high after getting to see them in our tournament last season," Nelson said about Eastern Illinois "I think they’re a very athletic team. They have a lot of high pressure which will cause our defenders some issues, but having said that I’m also very happy with how well our team is playing. I feel that if we control and play our style of game then we will be able to control the game."

The team had a very difficult non-conference schedule this season that prepared the defense for the teams within the conference.

Overall, the surging Redhawks are 6-2-1.

The Redhawks host Eastern Illinois Friday night at 6:30 pm at Houck Stadium.

Drew Yount, KRCU

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Redhawks soccer: Shulman steps in leadership role

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - When a freshman steps onto a college campus they immediately want to get to know people so they don’t feel alone.

For freshman athletes, like Erin Shulman of the Southeast Missouri State University soccer team, getting to know people is a requirement as part of the team.

Shulman says there are several things about being on the soccer team that have made her transition into college easier.

"I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all the girls and I think we became close really fast and I really enjoy just being on a team and knowing familiar faces around campus before everyone else got there," Shulman says. "Now it’s just easier it seems."

Shulman has already stepped up as a leader and is currently leading the team with five goals.

She said she feels the pressures of being a leader, but since she has played this role before it is nothing new to her.

The 4-2 Redhawks will travel to Saint Louis on Friday to take on Saint Louis University at 7 p.m.

Drew Yount, KRCU

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Lady Redhawks soccer team look to improve on so-so start

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The Southeast Missouri State University women’s soccer team has started their season 2-2, but they’re looking to improve as the season continues.

After a number two finish last season and a heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, the women’s soccer team is hoping to continue their dominance on the soccer pitch this season.

They are ranked second in the OVC in preseason polls, but are on track to finish higher.

Coach Heather Nelson says the team has several returning players who will help lead the team.

"In midfield we have, I think, one of the best players in the OVC back, and that’s Vanessa Hart," Nelson says. "She’s a nice holding center midfielder, she can buy time for the forwards to make runs, but she can also play quickly and she’s also an attacking threat herself."

Nelson says returning players are a strong part of the team, and some new faces are making an impact.

"We’ve been able to create a lot of offense, probably the most that we’ve actually done in years with this program. That’s a credit to some of our newcomers that have definitely shown to be threats, Jessie Crabtree, transfer from the University of Missouri, and also Erin Shulman, a freshman of the Springfield, Illinois area," coach Nelson said.

The lady Redhawks will face off at Evansville on September 2.

Drew Yount, KRCU

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