Soccer preview – Portland State at UNLV

A three-game losing streak is never good for a team. But when it’s making progress and learning what it takes to win, it makes the losses a little easier to swallow. And when a squad is facing an opponent with a three-game losing streak of its own, one team is bound to end its losing ways.

The Vikings (4-6-0) hope their hard work and a touch of Lady Luck will net them a victory in the first ever meeting between Portland State and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (4-3-3) soccer programs.

“We’re the more talented and athletic team, and we’re beginning to execute much better,” said Vikings head coach Tim Bennett. “Plus, we’re always lucky in Vegas, so we should do well.”

The Rebels are coming off a 0-3 loss to the University of Nevada, a squad the Vikings defeated 2-1 on Sept. 2, so Portland State’s confidence should be high in its last non-conference match of the season.

“This week we’ve trained as if we were preparing for a conference game,” Bennett said. “Every conference game is like a one-game season-like the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies the other night-and that’s how we’re going into the game Friday.”

The Vikings practiced at full strength this week, as starting freshman forward Krysta Whiteaker, who missed last weekend’s matches, will return to the field after a concussion.

Juli Edwards, who has been struggling with a lingering ankle injury, is also at full strength and prepared to step onto the soccer pitch this weekend.

Portland State at UNLV Friday, Sept. 28, 5 p.m.