Friday vs. San Diego – Live Stats  ¦ Live Video
Sunday vs. VCU – Live Stats ¦ Live Video

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara men's soccer team hits the road for five games beginning with San Diego State and Virginia Commonwealth University as part of the Akron Tournament.  Action from Yurcak Field kicks off on Friday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. against the Aztecs, and wraps up on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 3:30 p.m. against the Rams. 

Catch All The Action
Fans can keep up with all the action on Friday and Sunday by accessing live stats and live video by clicking on the appropriate link above.

Purple Eagles 101
Niagara will begin its five-game roadtrip with a 1-2-0 record, dropping games against Vermont and St. Bonaventure before winning over UMass Lowell.    

The underclassmen have been contributing in the offensive half to start the season.  Freshman Nicholas Watson  is tops on the team in goals (2), assists (3) and points (7), while sophomore Julian Ekeze is second on the team with three points off a goal and an assist.  Callum Willmott and Coletun Long  have also added scores. 

William Banahene will most likely suit up for Niagara between the posts after earning his first victory as a Purple Eagle.  Banahene has been four saves so far this season for a 0.85 goals-against average and a .800 save percentage.

Last Time Out
Niagara finished its three-game homestand with its first victory of the season, dropping UMass Lowell 4-1 behind a five-point night from Watson.  Watson was named the MAAC Offensive Player of the Week after tallying the game winner off a penalty kick and adding three helpers. 

Ekeze, Willmott and Long each secured their first goal of the season, while Banahene earned his first collegiate victory with four saves.  

Taking a Look at San Diego
San Diego is bringing a two-game losing streak to Akron, losing to FIU and UC Irvine to drop to 1-2-0 on the season. 

Abraham Villon (3-0-6) and Jordan Ongaro (2-0-4) have been the go-to Aztecs for offense, while three other squad members have added a goal on the year. 

Blake Hylen will likely earn the nod in goal having made 12 saves for a .667 save percentage and a 2.15 GAA.  

Scouting VCU
The Rams will battle Akron before taking to the field against Niagara on Sunday.  They head into the tournament with a 1-1-1 overall record having recorded their first victory over No. 13 Maryland last weekend after drawing against No. 9 New Mexico. 

Four points have been pocketed by a pair of Rams in Devon Fisher and Jose Manel.  Fisher has a pair of goals, while Manel has contributed a goals and two assists.  VCU has also gotten offensive help from Kharlton Belmar (1-0-2) and Assane Keita (0-1-1). 

Goaltending duties have been given to Andrew Wells who has seen 290 minutes of action thus far, making 13 saves for a .650 save percentage and a 2.17 goals-against average. 

First Time For Everything
This will be the first time in program history Niagara will meet San Diego and VCU on the field.

Next on the Docket
Following Sunday's match, Niagara will continue its longest road trip of the season with a non-conference clash with Robert Morris of the Northeast Conference on Friday, Sept. 20.  Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m.