GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Following a bye week, the University of North Dakota soccer team will return to the road this weekend when it takes on Western Illinois on Friday, March 5, and Sunday, March 7. Friday's match is slated for 3 p.m., while Sunday's match will begin at 1 p.m.

The Fighting Hawks (0-2) are seeking their first wins of the season against the Leathernecks (0-6), who own a -11 goal differential heading into the series.

North Dakota's lone action of the season occurred at Omaha on Feb. 19 and 22, falling to the Mavs 5-0 in the opener and following up with a 2-0 loss in the Monday morning meeting. Of UND's 12 shots in the series, the Hawks placed five on frame with Hannah Olson putting two on target.

UND won last year's lone meeting in Macomb, 1-0, on a Megan Wright goal in the 25th minute following a corner kick. Former Fighting Hawk Catherine Klein set the University of North Dakota shutout record in the match with her 14th career clean sheet and sixth of the season.

WIU opened the season versus reigning League champion Denver on Feb. 12 and 14 and followed up with their first road series of the season at North Dakota State and narrowly fell to the Bison in the opener, 1-0. The Leathernecks most recently hosted Kansas City and closed the series with a 2-1 loss in double overtime. After tying the match in the 61st minute, KC scored the golden goal in the 105th minute.

Following a weekend in Macomb, North Dakota will host rival North Dakota State in a series set for March 12 and 14.