LAKELAND, Fla. - The Fire women's soccer team is clicking on all cylinders as they head into their final four Sun Conference matches. Coming off of a commanding 4-0 win against Webber International, the Fire will bring a four game winning streak into the week. It is at this time of the year when teams must dig deep in order to finish the season strong.
Game 13 Southeastern University (11-1, The Sun Conference 5-1) vs. SCAD (7-6, The Sun Conference 5-0)
Live Video
Live Stats
Game 14: Southeastern University (11-1, The Sun Conference 5-1) vs. St. Thomas University (8-5, The Sun Conference 3-4 The Sun Conference)
Live Video
Live Stats
Game 15: Southeastern University (11-1, The Sun Conference 5-1) vs. Florida Memorial University ( 1-8-1, The Sun Conference 0-6-1)
Live Video
Live Stats
Game 16: Southeastern University (11-1, The Sun Conference 5-1) at. Ave Maria (4-8, The Sun Conference 2-5)
Live Video
Live Stats
The "K" Factor: Uchenna Kanu has been on an absolute tear in her first three games. She has been a part of six goals thus far, scoring five and assisting in the other. Kanu is able to use her speed and dribbling skills to knife her way through any defense. When Kanu takes chances on net she is deadly accurate recording 10 of her 15 shots on goal.
Previous Matchup Against SCAD: In the 2015 matchup between the Fire and the Bees, the Bees were able to come out on top by a score of 3-1. SCAD was able to rattle off three goals before the Fire got on the board in the 57th minute. None of the individuals who scored in last year's match are returning to the pitch.
Undefeated Conference Record: SCAD will enter the 2016 match against the Fire with an unblemished conference record. After escaping Ave Maria with a 1-0 victory, the Bees are set for the make-up match against the Fire that was postponed earlier in the year due to Hurricane Matthew. The Bees' attack is led by the senior midfielder Kelly McKay. The native of Rochester Hills, Michigan has tallied five goals and one assist on the season. She is also the team's leading aggressor with 49 shots taken. With this being said, McKay has been goalless against Sun Conference opponents this season.
Previous Match Against St. Thomas: Over the course of two matches last year the Fire are 1-1 against the Bobcats. In the 2015 win over the Bobcats, Karly Palmar scored the deciding goal with just under three minutes left in the game. The Coconut Creek native has found the back of the net twice in the Fire's past three games.
Scouting the Bobcats: Headed by coach Michelle Smith in her 10th season, the Bobcats are coming off a 1-0 loss against #1 Keiser University. The Bobcat attack is led by Kortney Hinden who has recorded five goals and three assists on the season. Andreina Sifontes, the senior from Avon Park, aides in the offensive department with four goals and two assists. The team's leading aggressor comes in the form of Jannel Johnson who has unleashed 35 shots, scoring two goals and tallying two assists.
Fire Tame the Lions: Since 2014, the Fire have been undefeated against Florida Memorial. During last year's match the Lions were first to strike in the 37th minute, but the Fire quickly rallied back scoring two goals in the second half. This year the Fire are composed of goal scoring threats littered all throughout the pitch which can be daunting for a Lions team that is currently on a three game losing streak. With this being noted, the Lions are home to Maria Kecskemeti who has had a busy season in net. The Argentina native has made 78 saves and looks to thwart the aggressive Fire attack.
Previous Matches Against the Gyrenes: The Fire took on the Gyrenes in their first game of the 2016 campaign and came out with a 7-0 win on a neutral pitch in Jacksonville. Leading the charge for Southeastern in that match were Alyssa Kaminski and Shayna Cole. Both women had hat tricks in the contest while the Fire managed to outshoot their opponent 34-10. The Fire have had past success against the Gyrenes both winning both 2015 matchups as well.
Scouting the Gyrenes: Ave Maria is composed of two main attackers. Sarah McBride and Alexa Mazzoccone make up this dynamic duo. Both women have recorded four goals apiece which makes up eight of the Gyrenes 12 season goals. The Gyrene netminder, Francesca Singleton, has quite the task in net. The Manchester native has made 97 saves in her 1,100 minutes.
In Closing: The Fire have a tall task ahead of them with four matches in eight days. They will rely on their conditioning and roster depth to propel them down the home stretch of the season. Southeastern has a big opening match and a win tonight will put the Fire right where they want to be for the remaining contests.
For all the action, follow @SEUFireWSoccer on Twitter.
