CLINTON, Iowa - Today's women's soccer matchup between Ashford University and No. 20 Trinity Christian College has plenty of intriguing storylines.
It represents the home opener for the Saints, coming off a 1-1 road trip at the NWC/Dordt Pizza Ranch Classic. It also stands for the official groundbreaking at the brand new AU South Campus, where an immaculate artificial turf field with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony awaits later this afternoon.
And it also is a chance for the Saints to jump back into the national scene with a potential upset against the 20th-ranked Trolls.
The AU men's squad will use the new field for the first time tomorrow against Illinois Institute of Technology under the lights for a 3 p.m. affair.
You can bet Trinity Christian (1-0) didn't forget about last year's 1-0 loss to Ashford on its home field in Palos Heights, Ill. The Trolls, ranked No. 8 at the time, went on to finish 14-5-4 in 2009 and have already taken down a Midwest Collegiate Conference opponent this season, a 5-2 win over Viterbo University.
An unassisted goal by sophomore Chelsea Fisher of Calgary, Alberta, was the lone scoring strike in last year's tussle and goalkeeper Kylie Willet of East Moline, Ill., went on to receive NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week accolades after saving eight shots.
"There is no question our players are motivated by the new field and we are excited about playing a quality team like Trinity Christian," AU Head Coach Mick Regan said. "We will have to be sharp on both sides of the ball and we want to make the fans proud of the way we play."
Freshman forward Trisha Shoemaker of Bettendorf will look to continue her hot play after striking for three goals in the team's first two games.
Several events are lined up for what is being billed "Community Celebration." At noon, there is a pep rally on campus followed by a 3 p.m. cookout at the new field on 1650 S. Fourth Street. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 4 p.m. and the Saints and Trolls will take the field at 5 p.m.
Admission is free for today's game.
