Aug. 11, 2010

DEKALB, Ill. - With the fall sports season just around the corner, the Northern Illinois women's soccer team reported to preseason camp Tuesday, marking the start of the 2010 NIU women's soccer season.

As the Huskies begin preseason training, the return to DeKalb will bring new faces, new challenges, and a new team dynamic to the women's soccer program. Twelve newcomers will join 16 veteran players in training, as the coaches begin team evaluations in preparation for the upcoming season.

"It is great to see fresh faces coming together with our returning players during preseason camp," head NIU women's soccer coach Carrie Barker said. "I am looking forward to the exciting challenges that we'll face as we enter preseason training and the 2010 season."

In a quick turnaround between preseason camp and their competitive schedule, the Huskies will enter their exhibition schedule just five days after initially reporting to camp. NIU will host their first of two exhibition matches when they face Milwaukee on Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. CDT at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. The Huskies will then host their second exhibition game when they take on Western Illinois on Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.

"I am excited to see our team in action," said Barker. "We have a very short turnaround between preseason camp and competition, but I think it's great to be able to have two exhibition games before we head into regular season."

Regular season play for the Huskies will begin on Aug. 23, when NIU takes on Creighton at home in a 5 p.m. match up.