Utica, NY (9/12/14) – The Utica College men's soccer team looks to bounce back from a tough loss as it hosts Oswego State Saturday night. The contest is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION: If you are unable to attend the game UC will provide numerous opportunities to enjoy the action… Links to all game coverage including
Live Stats,
Live Audio provided by Utica College's WPNR radio station, and
Live Video are available on the men's soccer schedule page at UC pioneers.com… Fans can also follow live updates on Twitter and Instagram: @UCPioneers and make sure to like the Pioneers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ucpioneers… If you are at the game and on Twitter, or talking about the game on Twitter, be sure to use #LetsGoUC.
LAST TIME OUT: UC is coming off a 2-1 loss at Wells College on Tuesday… Sophomore
Evan Bailey (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) scored Utica's only goal and senior
David Abdou (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) made four saves in the loss.
MOVING FORWARD: Since the turn of the century UC has played Oswego twice, once in 2005 and again in 2006… The Pioneers lost both contests, each by a score of 4-2 … The Pioneers look to keep their record at home unblemished against an Oswego team that has struggled on the road.
LEAGUE LEADERS: The Empire 8 Conference leader in goals,
Shane Ruffing (Rochester, NY/Westborough), and his teammate,
Chris Stashko (Apalachin, NY/Apalachin), the league's assist leader, look to link up for a favorable match up against the Lakers … The duo have connected three times this year … While senior
David Abdou (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) ranks first in the E8 in shutouts (two), second in goals against average (.947), and third in save percentage (.800).
STRONG DEFENSE: The Pioneers have allowed only four goals on the season and have shutout opponents twice already … Both of the shutouts have come at home and the Pioneers currently hold a five-game winning streak at Gaetano Stadium, dating back to last season.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Freshman
Bita Gazashvili (Tiblisi, Georgia/) has already made his presence known … He scored his first career goal against Purchase College and racked up two assists against Sage College … He is currently second on the team with nine shots, five of which were on goal … His continued high volume of shots and the Lakers slow start to the season could lead to a break out night for the rookie.
SCOUTING THE LAKERS: Since winning the opening game against Cazenovia the Lakers have lost four straight bringing their overall record to 1-4 … Three out of the five games have been decided by one goal … The Lakers have scored only three goals on the season … Harrison Rieber leads Oswego with two goals and Brody Magro has one goal and one assist.
BACK IN ACTION: After Saturday night, the Pioneers will travel to Geneva Wednesday afternoon to take on Hobart College… Game time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
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