By James Hernandez

This week on "Stoppage Time" Coach Hawkins and I recap the Coyotes home victories this past weekend over the Utah State University Eastern Eagles and the Salt Lake City Bruins, as well as preview the team's final regular season matches versus Snow College and Colorado Northwestern.

James: The team has defeated three ranked opponents in its past four matches. What do victories of that caliber do for the confidence of this team?

Coach Hawkins: Without doubt it has boosted their confidence.  Unfortunately, confidence can lead to arrogance which is a dangerous trait to have at this time in the season.  Rankings are great, but sometimes rankings can have a negative impact on a team's focus.  This week has been a challenge for us to keep the team concentrated on the task in front of us.  The previous four wins have been at home, but now we travel on the road which has been unforgiving to us this season. 

James: Did the team suffer any injuries or setbacks this past weekend?

Coach Hawkins: One player strained his hamstring, but he should be back next week.  Other than that, we are relatively healthy.

James: Can you provide our readers with a brief scouting report of this upcoming weekend's opponents, Snow College and Colorado Northwestern?

Coach Hawkins: In my opinion, Snow College has zero weaknesses.  They have the ability to tactically change formations on a whim.  Our adjustments to these formation changes must be quick and fluid if we are to be successful against them.  The match is going to be a battle from start to finish.  Colorado Northwestern is the most challenging venue to play at for us.  The weather alone will have an immense impact on our players.  We are simply not used to the frigid weather up in Western Colorado.  In addition, the extreme travel distance is always a factor on the players legs and concentration.  Tactically, we must move the ball quickly in order to open CNCC's defense up to allow for scoring opportunities.

James: After claiming four consecutive matches, do you feel the team is hitting its stride and playing its best soccer of the season?

Coach Hawkins: Yes.  We have had a bit of fortune in those 4 wins, but most importantly we have eliminated some of our mistakes.  When we do not give away goals, we are a tough team to beat.  Playing at home certainly helps our performance.  If we can win this week on the road, we can certainly say we are playing the best soccer of the season.

James: This past weekend CSN Soccer defeated #2 Salt Lake, the highest ranked opponent it has beaten in program history. Talk about the accomplishment and what it meant to the team overall in its final home match of the regular season.

Coach Hawkins: It was fantastic!  Finishing undefeated at home this season is amazing accomplishment and we are certainly proud of the team.  Whenever you beat a ranked opponent it helps to bring recognition to the program and the talent here in Nevada.  This year we scheduled the best teams we could in order to give our players the opportunity to play against the very best in the nation.  At CSN our philosophy is not about having the best overall record, it's about developing players so they reach their maximum potential in order to have success on the next level.  If order to do that you must schedule the best teams in the country.

Thank you for your time this week Coach, best of luck and safe travels this weekend.
 
Fans your Coyotes will be on the road this weekend to battle the Snow College Badgers and the Colorado Northwestern Spartans. For match times and live updates all weekend log onto www.csncoyotes.com or follow us on Facebook CSNCoyotes and Twitter @CSN_MSoc.