After an opening win against the Bend Timbers at home, the EMFC Azul head onto the road for a collection of games head coach Jürgen Ruckaberle isn’t taking lightly. The team faced Bend on Tuesday, June 11. Azul won 2-1, and a few changes were in store. Italian midfielder Eleonora Petralia made her debut in return from injury, as did UO’s Achijah Berry.

Following that match, the EMFC Azul will travel to Portland to face THUSC Diamonds this Saturday. Ruckaberle has reason to see them as “a very good and strong opponent,” as they feature experienced players from Portland State and Concordia University as well as former UO standout Jennifer Stoltenberg. It will be the first of two games this weekend in Portland, with a game on June 16 against the Westside Timbers — another opponent Ruckaberle says will be a challenge, with experienced players from Portland State, Concordia University, University of San Francisco and others standing in EMFC Azul’s path to victory.