NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--The Smith College soccer team (5-5, 2-2 NEWMAC) will face the NEWMAC's preeminent program when they play host the Wheaton College (10-0-2, 4-0 NEWMAC) on Saturday.  The Lyons are ranked at No. 14 in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America national poll, and third in the New England region.


Last Meeting: Wheaton trounced Smith, 5-0, in the Pioneers' final home game of the 2011 season.  The Lyons got on the board 91 seconds into the contest, and led 4-0 at halftime.

Last Smith Win: Smith beat Wheaton 1-0 in the semi-finals of the NEW 8 tournament on November 3, 1996.  That was the second meeting between the two teams this year, as Smith took the first matchup 3-1 on October 5 of that year.

Smith Overview: The Pioneers picked up a crucial conference victory with a 2-1 double-overtime win over Coast Guard on Tuesday afternoon.  Lily Eriksen (Seattle, Wash./Bush School) netted the game winner with her first collegiate goal with 3:08 remaining in the second extra period. 

Wheaton Overview: The Lyons, undefeated on the season, have proven prolific on offense and defense.  Wheaton has scored 36 goals in 12 games, while only allowing eight and posting eight shutouts.  Only once this season have the Lyons allowed an opponent to score more than one goal in a game.

Smith Player to Watch: Jordan Houston (Logan, Utah/Logan) opened the scoring against Coast Guard, and was a constant menace, taking 10 shots on goal.

Wheaton Player to Watch: Cassey Muse is tied for the team lead in scoring, with six goals and five assists.  She recently became the ninth player in school history to reach the 100 point mark.

Did you know? The Lyons have qualified for the last 12 NCAA tournaments.  In 2011, Wheaton advanced to the second round before falling to eventual Final Four participant Williams Smith.