Niagara men’s soccer (7-4-3, 2-2-2) hits the road this weekend to take on two conference opponents in an attempt to bounce back after a tough loss last weekend.  

On Friday, Niagara plays Rider (3-9-1, 2-3-0) at 7 p.m. who is coming off a 1-0 loss to Loyola.  Niagara then heads to Loyola  (8-4-1, 3-2-0) on Sunday for a 1 p.m. start.  The Greyhounds are currently holding a four-game unbeaten streak. 

The Niagara offense is currently ranked second in the MAAC in assists (25), goals (21) and points (67).  MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Carl Haworth is currently first in the MAAC in total points with 23 (8-7) and 18th in the NCAA.

Junior goalkeeper Brett Petricek is ranked 22^nd in the NCAA and first in the MAAC in save percentage (.829) and 18^th in total saves with 18.  He is tied for second with Marist goalkeeper Steve Skonieczny with five shutouts in the MAAC. 

The Purple Eagles are coming off a 1-0 defeat to Manhattan (2-12-0, 2-3-0) after the Jaspers jumped out to a quick lead in the first half.  Despite a valiant effort from Niagara in the second stanza, outshooting its opponent 18-8 (27-16 overall), the team could not get one in the net. 

Niagara returns to Monteagle Ridge the following weekend for its final regular-season game when it takes on archrival Canisius on Friday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the women’s team.