The soccer team needs a win.
Ball State enters its final conference match of the seasonFriday at home, and the Cardinals need a win against Akron to gainhome-field advantage for the conference tournament.
The Cardinals possess the third spot in the Mid-AmericanConference standings, but that position could fluctuate dependingon the outcome of Friday's match. A victory would keep the Cards inthird place and force Western Michigan to win its last twoconference games to steal the spot.
A loss, however, could send the team down to the fifth or sixthseed and send the Cards on a road game in the first round of theMAC Tournament.
Head coach Ron Rainey said his team is thrilled for the 3 p.m.showdown.
"It's a big conference game," he said. "The players are excitedabout the game. It's one of the 12 conference matches, and if weget a win, we will host a playoff game. It's very exciting to playin a game of this magnitude."
The Cardinals have played in 12 one-goal games this season,which Rainey said is a positive for his team.
He added that the team must minimize mistakes. Defensivemistakes hurt the team on Sunday in a 4-1 loss at Ohio.
Despite that loss, Ball State is locked in for thetournament.
Akron enters the contest with a different perspective. The Zipsare trying to scratch and claw their way into the playoffs. Theteam is lodged firmly in the seventh spot in a tie with BowlingGreen.
Miami and Ohio are nipping at its heels in the next twopositions, a game behind.
A loss by Akron would jeopardize its ability to finish in thetop eight.
Akron brings a balanced pair of scorers to the table on Friday.Jeannie Stuckey and Mirka Mohs have both scored six goals thisyear, but the rest of the team has only four goals.
The Zips are also coming of their biggest win of the year in a1-0 victory over Eastern Michigan.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
