Redhawks soccer stayin’ alive

The #7 seeded SEMO women’s soccer team has taken part in two contests in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament thus far, and has emerged victorious in each of them. Traveling to the host site of Edwardsville, IL the Redhawks were able to knock off #6 Eastern Illinois 1-0 in overtime. SEMO then took on the Cougars of SIUE and fought until the end for a 5-4 penalty kick victory.

The next challenge is Thursday at 7 p.m. in Cookeville, TN when the Redhawks clash with the #2 Morehead State Eagles. SEMO was defeated 1-0 by the Eagles earlier this season on Morehead’s home pitch. SEMO head coach Heather Nelson said the fact they have seen this team once and it being at a neutral site could create a different result this time around.

“We have a better understanding of their formation, a 4-4-2 Diamond, which is a quality system of play but just a little more rare,” Nelson said. “A neutral site and the fact that both our teams have to travel makes for a level playing field as opposed to playing away.”

A hurdle the Redhawks will have to face is while they have played two 90-minute games (110 with overtime) the Eagles have been resting and waiting during their double-bye in the tournament. This fact comes with several disadvantages, both athletically and academically.

The team has missed five of their last 10 school days and any college student knows how tough that can be. Nelson said aside from missing school and increased fatigue from playing so often there are still some ways this benefits the Redhawks.

“From a positive athletic perspective we have even greater game fitness, technical sharpness and tactical understanding,” Nelson said. “From an emotional perspective, we are even more connected because it’s brilliant whenever we can have quality time together.”

Fans can watch the Redhawks on Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.