After an impressive start to the season with a 5-0 victory over Stephen F. Austin State University on Aug. 22, the soccer team marches on with two home games this weekend.

Although not much is known about this weekend’s opponents, head coach Dan Abdalla said his team can expect quite a challenge.

“We know they’re both going to be very well-coached, hard-working teams, so they are both going to be games where we have to make sure we bring our top-level game,” Abdalla said.

The team will look to build upon its high level of confidence after its quick start to the season against Stephen F. Austin.

“We’ve been working hard this preseason,” red-shirt freshman defender Katie Taylor said. “If we win both of these games it’s going to be a good heads-up for the season to come.”

In preparation for the games this weekend, the team has focused its practice time on keeping the field more compact, staying connected defensively and transitioning more quickly, Abdalla said.

The players and coach agree that the fans at the home games provide a great boost for the team.

“The fans are one of the best parts of playing at home,” said sophomore defender Cheryl Martin. “They make it such a great experience. The crowd is great, the fans are the best and that’s really what I play the game for.”

Students can get in for free with their TCU ID cards.

In other soccer news, junior forward Lizzy Karoly and sophomore goalie Kelsey Walters received Mountain West Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week honors Monday.

“They both worked extremely hard this summer so it was nice to see them have a good game and to get some recognition for it,” Abdalla said.

FOR YOUR INFO

TCU vs. Xavier University

Today at 7 p.m.

Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium

TCU vs. University of Mississippi

Sunday at 1 p.m.

Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium