After 8 days of pre-season we faced two exhibition games in three days to help prepare us for the regular season. Saturday we faced Murray State at Hefner Soccer Complex and while giving a good account of ourselves we made some key mistakes, especially on set pieces, and gave away three goals in the process. While we were encouraged to score two goals of our own the result was disappointing.
There wasn't much time to feel sorry for ourselves as we headed to Charleston, Illinois Monday morning to take on the Eastern Illinois Panthers. It was a hot day, our first road trip, the second of the two games and EIU was playing their only pre-season of the match of the season for new coach Summer Perala so we knew we'd have our work cut out for us. The truth of it is we just didn't show up prepared to play mentally or physically. We were a bit lucky to only have a 1-0 deficit at halftime and though we started the second half much sharper our luck ran out when we were called for not one but two handling calls in the box resulting in two PKs and two goals for EIU.
There were some positives to take from the day but we need to get much, much better in some key areas to get where we want to be this season. That's exactly what we'll focus on the next four days as we prepare for our first regular season game Saturday against the Chipps from Central Michigan. The game is part of the National Soccer Festival which we're very happy to be part of. Lots to play for then Saturday so come on on and cheer on the Dons!
Joe
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