Ball State's road opener Friday against IUPUI is not a stepping stone.
Although Sunday's match against Big Ten opponent Illinois is on everyone's radar, the Ball State soccer team knows it can't afford to overlook the much smaller school from Indianapolis.
As the Cardinals look to improve on their 2-0 start, there is more at stake than maintaining an undefeated record.
"The game against IUPUI will set the tone for our whole trip," senior defender Kristina Anderson said. "With a win, we will have a little confidence going in against Illinois."
IUPUI was shutout in its opening match of the season against Eastern Illinois. IUPUI is coming off a 17-5 record last season — including 7-3 at home — and a ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
The match against IUPUI kicks off a tough trip for Ball State.
Starting with six straight road games, the stretch is part of an even bigger picture. Nine of the Cardinals next 10 matches will be away from Muncie.
With trips to matches around the country until early October, the team will be tested physically and mentally.
"The most difficult part of the trip is getting adequate rest and proper nutrition," Anderson said. "You are on a bus the whole time, and it is hard to get comfortable and eat right. We will have to stay focused to get the job done."
First-year coach Craig Roberts said success will be determined by the team's ability to get comfortable in their routine.
Roberts said familiarity and consistency will be important so nothing catches the team by surprise.
"We just want to make progress and build on our previous performances and as long as we do that we're happy," he said. "Our ultimate goal is wins, but if we progress and don't get the desired results, we are fine with that."
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