BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Western Kentucky University (7-3-0, 2-0-0) takes to the road for a four-game conference swing, beginning with a trip to the Sunshine State to face Florida Atlantic (3-6-0, 1-1-0) and Florida International (5-4-1, 2-0-0). The Lady Toppers own the league's longest unbeaten streak, having won three straight games.
WKU opened the conference schedule at home last weekend with a perfect 2-0 record, posting shutouts against Arkansas State and Arkansas-Little Rock. WKU was the only team in the league to record two shutouts in the opening weekend of league play and one of four teams, including Florida International, that own a 2-0 record in the league.
Senior Amanda Buechel (Cincinnati, Ohio), the reigning Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week, was one of two players to score three goals in the opening week of league play. Buechel stands in a two-way tie for second place in the league for overall points and goals in the league with 16 and seven respectively. WKU had three players score multiple goals last weekend as Nicholette Sartori (Malabar, Fla.) and Lauren Moats (Nixa, Mo.) also reached the feat. Moats is currently in a tie for seventh place in goals scored in the SBC this season.
The WKU defense continues to post impressive numbers. The group has forced three straight shutouts and a league-high tying five on the season. Freshman goalkeeper Nikki Hall (Cincinnati, Ohio) currently stands at third in the league in goals against average at 1.14, but is last in the league total saves as a result of the veteran back line anchored by Ali Stahlke (Naperville, Ill.) and Torrie Lange (Florence, Ky.) that has limited opponent opportunities all season in the box.
Earlier this week, Hall was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week by CollegeSportsMadness.com.
Florida Atlantic (3-6-0) will welcome WKU to Boca Raton for just its third home game of the season. Florida Atlantic and WKU are meeting for the eighth time in program history. WKU holds a 4-2-1 advantage in the all-time series and an 11-6 edge in goals scored in the series. Claire Emslie leads the Owls with 12 points on the season, including five goals. In goal, Ashley Lantes has allowed 20 goals this season.
Florida International (5-4-1) was the preseason favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference. Florida International and WKU are meeting for the 14th time in program history. WKU holds a 6-4-3 all-time advantage in the series, including a 19-14 advantage in goals scored. Chelsea Leiva leads FIU with 13 points on the season, including five goals. FIU is 3-0-0 at home this season entering the weekend.
WKU next's home match is Oct. 12, 2012 against South Alabama at the WKU Soccer Complex. First touch is set for 6:00 p.m. Single game tickets are available through the WKU Ticket Office by calling 270-745-5222 or 1-800-5-BIG-RED. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.wkusports.com. In addition, a game ticket package with nine vouchers that can be used for any game during the 2012 season are available for just $25 through the ticket office.
For complete coverage of WKU Soccer, visit the official website of WKU Athletics at www.wkusports.com.
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