WSOC Set to Face Kent State -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Cards Host Golden Flashes at 7PM

After a run of beautiful weather, Louisville women's soccer may have their first chance to play on an "off" field this evening. Although the forecast shows the weather clearing up mid-afternoon, consistent rainfall overnight and through the morning will put Lynn Stadium's drainage capabilities to the test. Despite how well the field itself does, the berm and other grassy areas inside the stadium are unlikely to clear the water very well after the first major rainfall in weeks. That's unfortunate for tonight's Pups at the Pitch event. I foresee lots of folks with damp pants. 

Louisville is looking to maintain a strong run of form against Kent State. Despite Sunday's somewhat down night offensively, the scoring outburst from the Cards since beginning the homestand has them leading the NCAA in goals, assists, and total points (two points for a goal, one for an assist). Amelia Swinarski, who we talked a lot about taking a bigger role in the offense this season, has definitely done so. Swinarski leads the country in assists with nine. On top of leading the country, she's flying high in the ACC, as the second-leading assist getter in the conference has just four. 

Louisville has spread the love from a scoring perspective. While the team leading the country in goals and points, Swinarski and Mackenzie Geigle (team leaders in points at 13) are just ninth nationally as individuals. Geigle's five goals is just 11th in the country. The Cards have been getting it done on the offensive end, but Sunday night's match could hint at some concerns if it creates a playbook for how to slow this offense down. That said, I don't expect Louisville to play every match without four of their opening day starters. It will be interesting to see who is able to return for the Cards tonight. 

Kent State went 9-7-3 last season and finished 5-4-2 in MAC play. After defeating 5th-seeded Miami (OH), the Golden Flashes fell 4-1 at the hands of Western Michigan in the MAC Tournament to end their season. Kent State had a sparkling 7-2 record at home, with losses coming only to Miami and Western Michigan, but their road boots didn't work quite as well. The Flashes were 2-5-3 away from Dix Stadium, with the only wins being against Colgate and Toledo. 

Kent State is off to a similar start this season, as they are 2-1-2 through their first five matches. Interestingly, their only loss came against Duquesne in their home opener. The loss came after a 1-0 win on the road at Cleveland State to open the season. The Flashes have found a bit of momentum since then. They followed up the loss by stealing a draw against Northwestern in Evanston. After that, they returned home to crush Youngstown State 5-1. They're coming off of a 1-1 draw at Cornell on Sunday, which isn't saying a ton, but it's still back-to-back results on the road.

The Cards will need to keep their wits about them this evening if they don't want their good vibes to come crashing down by way of an upset. Weather is the great equalizer, and an off field makes it difficult for a "higher quality" team to do what they want with the ball. Louisville has made a lot of their offensive progress this season with speed and long ball movement. The short passing game has been there, but it hasn't been as effective, especially against Coastal Carolina. The Cards won't be able to get away with being so easily dispossessed tonight if the field doesn't allow them to get out on the break. 

After tonight's match, Louisville's long homestand will come to a close on Sunday against Dayton. The Cards would very much like wrapping up the non-conference schedule with an undefeated record in home non-con play, but they have to get through Kent State first. Tonight's match is scheduled for 7PM and will be available on ACC Network Extra. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case