Creighton’s women soccer team starts the weekend 7-2-1 on the season. The Bluejays open Missouri Valley Conference play tonight at home against Indiana State, then take a brief reprieve from MVC action to visit Northern Colorado on Sunday afternoon.
White & Blue Review caught up with head coach Bruce Erickson to cover a couple topics surrounding his team heading into the weekend.
WBR: You’re coming off a tough loss to Arizona State. What positives do you and your team take from that game?
Erickson: That we played well enough to win, but that the margin of error in big games is very small. Especially on set pieces. We gave up two corners in five minutes and they scored on both. I like the way we battled, though, and we’ll learn from the mistakes.
WBR: Your team has been very successful in the non-conference section of your season. Has that helped build confidence heading into Valley play?
Erickson: Yes. We have played many teams similar to our MVC opponents. We will be prepared by the schedule we played; we’ve been tested and also shown our weaknesses. The conference games are a different animal because everyone has the ability to beat everyone. All the games will be tight.
WBR: What has the team taken from the non-conference schedule in terms of areas of improvement or growth?
Erickson: In playing some very good teams, we’ve had to deal with coming from behind in some matches. We’ve outplayed teams and lost games. We need to be able to be consistent in all areas — possession, defending, creating chances, finishing chances, creating set pieces, etc. — over a 90-minute game. We’ve been close but are still pursuing a game like that.
WBR: You will be opening the conference slate against the Sycamores tonight. What should fans look for in this matchup?
Erickson: Indiana State plays with a lot of heart and fight. They will be physically imposing and will make it difficult for us to play. They are young and talented, similar to us. They are playing for first year coach Erika Flanders True, who is a former assistant of mine.
WBR: How do you see Creighton matching up with a team like Northern Colorado on Sunday?
Erickson: Northern Colorado is a great opponent. They’re a very attack-oriented team who will be dangerous to play against. Greeley is a tough place to play, too!
WBR: Finally, who is your player to watch this week?
Erickson: I feel like our three seniors will be important to watch. Mary Zapapas, Kyla Hoskins, and Jordan Bruch will be starting their final season of MVC play, and I expect them to step up!
Creighton's Kyla Hoskins