GRIFFON SOCCER WEEKEND PREVIEW

Friday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
#23 Missouri Western (6-0) at #4 Central Missouri (6-0)
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Sunday, Sept. 24, 4 p.m.
Missouri Western at Lindenwood (3-3)
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ST. JOSEPH - What's shaping up to be the greatest season in Griffon soccer history has led to the biggest game in the program's 13-year history. The No. 23-ranked, 6-0 Griffons travel to face No. 4 Central Missouri, Friday. It's the nation's top offense against the nation's top defense and an opportunity for the record breaking Griffons to snap what's proved to be the most elusive record. 

Missouri Western's 27 goals this season are tied for the most in the nation, and just one more than Central Missouri. The Griffons lead the nation with 74 points and have the MIAA's top goal scorer in Cassidy Menke (9). Menke is second in the nation in goals and third with her 19 points. UCM has not allowed a goal this season, leading the MIAA and nation in all goals against statistics along with goal keeper Ana Dilkes.

The Griffons have a program-best start, the longest win streak in program history, the most goals in a season in school history and several individual records already this season. What this team has a chance to do Friday is become the first to defeat Central Missouri. The Jennies hold a 21-0 advantage in the all-time series and have outscored the Griffons 62-5 since the inception of Missouri Western soccer in 2005. 

While the two are both MIAA members, Friday's game will not count toward the conference standings, but is an important regional matchup as the Griffons aim for their first NCAA tournament berth. 

WATCH: "What Dreams May Come" 

MISSOURI WESTERN: Ranked No. 23 in the latest United Soccer Coaches poll ... outscored opponents 27-3 this season this season ... already set MWSU single season goals record .... program-best 6-0 start is also the program's longest win streak ... lead the MIAA and nation in goals, assists (20) and points (74) ... three of the MIAA's top-six goal scorers in Cassidy Menke (1st-9), Taylor Schwartzkopf (2nd-6) and Sydnely Cluck (6th-4) ... Menke leads the MIAA with 19 points ... Sarah Lyle 3rd in the MIAA with a .404 goals against average ... Cluck second in the MIAA with four assists ... Madeline Cowell third in MIAA with three assists ... team hasn't allowed a goal in last 212 minutes ... team has had three-straight MIAA Athletes of the Week (Menke twice (offensive) then Sarah Blakley (defensive) this week

CENTRAL MISSOURI: Outscored opponents 26-0 this season ... tied for second in the nation with 65 points ... averaging 4.33 goals per game ... 26 goals through six games second most under head coach Lewis Theobald ... only MIAA member to not allow a goal yet this season ... won last 14 games at home and have not allowed a goal in Warrensburg during the streak ... Abby Rhodes tied for second in MIA with six goals and ranks third with 13 points ... Dilkes has been named MIAA Goal Keeper of the week each of the last three weeks

CONFERENCE OPENER AT LINDENWOOD
Missouri Western opens MIAA play Sunday at Lindenwood. The Griffons defeated the Lions 5-0 in St. Joseph last Sunday.