NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's soccer team (4-7-0, 2-0-0 MAAC) will host Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foes Rider and Loyola this weekend in two critical matchups.

Niagara enters the weekend as one of three MAAC teams that are undefeated in conference play at 2-0-0. The Purple Eagles defeated Saint Peter's 4-2 and Manhattan in double overtime, by a 2-1 margin last weekend.

On Friday, the Purple Eagles will host the Rider Broncs (7-3-2, 0-1-0 MAAC) at 7 p.m. at Niagara Field. Niagara is 3-0-0 in its last three home games against the Broncs, dating back to 2005, while also owning a 5-1-0 record in its last six games against Rider.

Niagara finishes its weekend by hosting the Loyola Greyhounds (3-8-0; 1-0-0 MAAC) on Sunday at Noon. The Purple Eagles will be looking for the program's first-ever victory over the Greyhounds, having gone 0-20-1 lifetime against Loyola.

The Purple Eagles are led by reigning MAAC Offensive Player of the Week Kayla Picanco, after a hat-trick against Saint Peter's. The reigning Niagara Student-Athlete of the Week adds to the offensive prowless of the Purple Eagles, that includes Jamie Raepple and Breanna Catipovic.

Following this weekend's games, Niagara travels to crosstown rival Canisius in a Battle of the Bridge matchup on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.  

Check out interviews with Kayla Picanco and head coach Peter Veltri: