Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams will host Mt. Aloysius of the Allegheny Mountain Conference Saturday, Sept. 14, and in doing so, will look to continue to improve as they continue their  non-conference play.

The men’s team lost it’s last meeting against Mt. Aloysius 4-0. Head coach Brad Heethius hopes that his team comes out ready to play unlike the last encounter when they squared off with the Mounties.

“They were ready to play. We were not,” Heethuis said. “They hit us early with a goal and we kind of got back on our heels and they continued the pressure and just added. “[We] really have to come out with a lot of energy and try to dictate the play instead of sit back and let [Mt. Aloysius] do it.”

The Jackets played Mt. Aloysius in an exhibition scrimmage in the spring, and Heethuis feels this gave them a good idea of what to expect for Saturday.

“We know the team pretty well and they are a solid side,” he said.

Despite the 2-2 start through the first three games of the season, Heethuis is pleased with his teams efficiency, and he believes it’ll  make his team improve even more.

“I think the last two games specifically we’ve done a very good job being efficient in front of goal,” Heethius said. “We haven’t gotten a lot of chances yet but the ones we’ve had we’ve finished scoring three goals in the last two games each.”

One thing that Heethius wants to see in his next few games is a shut out, because the men’s soccer team hasn’t had one so far this season.

“I’d love to see a clean sheet,” he said. “We haven’t had a shut out yet so obviously keep the ball out of our net.”

The women’s soccer team has never lost to Mt. Aloysius, leading the all-time series with five wins, no losses and one tie. The last time these two teams played, the game ended in a 2-2 tie. As far as for what type of team Mt. Aloysius is this time around, women’s head coach Laura Heethuis made note of the Mounties physicality.

“They’re a pretty physical team and they’re pretty quick,” Heethuis said. “So, I think just trying to match the physical side of the game and then also deal with the pace that they come at us with, but I think if we can keep possession and continue to move the ball and use our midfield that is a big strength for us.”

Heethuis feels her team must change its style of play to match up with its opponent.

“I think we are going to have to match their physical play,” she said. “Especially winning 50-50 balls in the air or any direct play they try to go from their midfield all the way up to the forwards, so we have to be willing to win the 50-50 battles and that includes being physical.”

The men’s game will kick off at 1 p.m. and the women’s game will start shortly after that at 3:30 p.m. at John F. Wiley Stadium.