UTICA, NY- The Utica College men's soccer team continues its season with two Empire 8 Conference matchups in four days.  UC will travel to Houghton College on Friday (5 p.m.) before returning home on Monday to host Elmira College (4 p.m.).
 
Live Friday: Due to preexisting COVID-19 protocols spectators are not allowed at live college sporting events. Coverage of Friday's game will be provided by Houghton's Athletics Communications department at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/houghton/.
 
Live Saturday: Due to preexisting COVID-19 protocols spectators are not allowed at Utica College sporting events. Coverage of all home games will be live broadcasted at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/utica/.
 
Last Time Out: Last weekend the Pioneers took on St. John Fisher College in an E8 matchup. Junior midfielder Ramazani Juma (Utica, NY/Proctor) got the first goal for Utica off an assist from senior outside back Patrick Hynes (Glenmont, NY/Bethlehem). The Cardinals used a pair of second half goals, including one in the final five minutes of regulation to come away with the win.  Utica keeper Randy Miksch (Lake Villa, IL/Warren Township) finished with eight saves on the day. 
 
New Faces: Junior Ramazani Juma (Utica, NY/Proctor) made his first appearance as a Pioneer last weekend and ran the attack for Utica. Juma, a graduate and former player for Herkimer College brought his experience into last weekend's match up. Juma scored his first goal with UC and contributed eight of the team's 16 shots.
 
Old Dog Same Tricks: Senior outside back Patrick Hynes (Glenmont, NY/Bethlehem) started off the season how he ended the last. Hynes was able to control the right side of the field with great passing and decision making leading to an assist on UC's goal last weekend. That assist brings Hynes to his 7th career assist and many more to come.
 
A UC Record: Senior goalkeeper Randy Miksch (Lake Villa, IL/Warren Township) stood strong adding eight saves to his stat sheet. That game puts Miksch at 131 career saves making him 7th in career saves in UC history. He stands 47 saves away from being among the top five in Utica College history. Miksch currently trails former teammates Jonathan Side (Plattsburgh, NY/Plattsburgh) (141 saves) and Matthew Milograno (178), who are sixth and and fifth on the list, respectively.
 
History With Houghton: There's never a boring game between UC and Houghton when it comes to men's soccer. Both of these sides have been an even match for each other. In their eight games played in history half of them have gone into double overtime.  Utica holds a 1-3-4 record against the Highlanders.
 
History With Elmira: Utica and Elmira matchups continue to be action packed games. Last season the teams met Charles A. Gaetano Stadium. There were five goals scored on the night, with UC edging out a 3-2 win. Two of Utica's goals came from junior outside back Jahren James (River Vale, NJ/Pascack Valley). James was able to tap in a deflection off a corner for his first tally and he also converted a 25 yard free kick to give the Pioneers the win.

Up Next: Utica will host Alfred University on Friday March 26.  Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.