The Golden Eagles Men’s Soccer team will face a pair of Kansas universities this week.
On Saturday the Eagles will play Benedictine (Kan.) in their third straight home game.
They will then travel to Olathe, Kan. on Tuesday to face MidAmerica Nazarene.
A win against the 2-1-1 Benedictine Ravens will give JBU one victory in three home games after going winless in the Quality Inn Fall Classic.
In the Fall Classic, the Eagles were trailing 2-0 to Northwestern (Iowa) in a contest called due to rain last Friday and tied 2-2 against Union (Tenn.) last Saturday.
According to John Miglarese, head coach, winning at home is a goal this season after their undefeated record in road conference games last year was offset by a 2-4-1 record at home against conference opponents.
“That’s something we are definitely trying to remedy,” said Miglarese. “This year we put a big focus on how we prepare for games at home.”
The teams 3-0-1 performance at this point this season is an improvement over last season, when the Eagles lost their first five games to open the season.
Since that losing streak ended on Sept. 17, 2011, at Friends University, the Golden Eagles have not lost in six straight road contests, going 5-0-1 during that stretch.
On Tuesday, JBU will look to bring that early-season success on the road as they face off against MidAmerica Nazarene.
The Pioneers, who are also undefeated as of press time at 2-0-3 will be led by senior forward Trent Remmich, who leads the team in goals (4), and senior forward Gyer Vierthaler, who leads in assists (4).
The Golden Eagles will be without junior Luke Theimer, who was the teams leading scorer with three goals before suffering multiple fractures in his left cheekbone.
Theimer sustained the injury in a match against Harding
on Sept. 3.
He had surgery on Monday and will be out at least until late in the season and may be redshirted.
In addition to Theimer, senior midfielder Misha Kolemasov, senior defenseman Noah Archibald, and sophomore defenseman Aaron Estrada are out with injuries.
Freshman forward Zari Prescod is questionable for Saturday’s game after he separated his shoulder.
These mounting injuries will make keeping their winning streak alive more difficult.
“Not only are we losing their talent, we’re losing some guys who really know how to compete and inspire the guys around them,” said Miglarese. “The guys that haven’t had to step into that role in the past now have to and lead the team.”
According to Miglarese, the team can still continue to succeed and accomplish their goals for this season with their remaining roster.
JBU will host Benedictine at Alumni Field Saturday at 2 p.m.