As the WKU Soccer team winds down its season, every match is important. Thursday nights home match at 6 p.m. against the Trojans of Troy is no different.

WKU enters the game with a 10-5-1 record overall, and 5-2-1 in the conference. The Lady Toppers are currently on a six match unbeaten streak and hope that momentum will carry into the game.

Troy, however, has lost five of their last six games and have a record of 3-5 in the Sun Belt. WKU is by no means overlooking the Trojans.

“Every game for us right now is important, regardless of who it is,” senior midfielder Lindsay Williams said. “Troy is a team we are going to have to come out ready to play. We cannot take anyone lightly now, especially them. It is really important for us to get a win thursday.”

Head Coach Jason Neidell agreed and said this is the hardest the Sun Belt conference has been in his memory and that every game is important now.

“It’s all about figuring out ways to grind out wins and this is a tough conference,” he said. “It’s just about getting out onto the field and outworking your opponent and being sharp on the field with what you do.”

Troy has also struggled on the road this year, winning one of eight games. The Lady Toppers have thrived at the WKU Soccer Complex boasting a record of 7-1-1.

In Thursday night’s game, the defense for WKU will need to be sharp playing against a Troy team that averages almost two goals a game.

“We just need to stay focused,” senior goalkeeper Libby Stout said. “We’re playing hard right now, we’re just not being as clean technically. If we clean that stuff up I think we’ll be fine.”

With only three games left before the Sun Belt tournament, WKU sits in the middle of the pack. Each game from here on out is important, according to Williams. 

“Every game is another chance for us to climb the ladder,” she said. “Every game is another chance for us to improve our seeding for the tournament.”