UTICA, NY - The Utica University's men's soccer team will host Oswego State on Wednesday at 4 p.m. before traveling to Rochester, NY to face Nazareth College on Saturday at 3 p.m. 
 
Follow Along: Those unable to attend Wednesday's home game can tune in with live video and/or stats at https://bit.ly/2wtxUV5. Nazareth will be providing live video and stats through https://bit.ly/2MOZOjA. 
 
Last Time Out: The Utica University's men's soccer team and Medaille University fought to an even 2-2 draw this afternoon. Medaille struck first in the 22nd minute as Jaime Mendo found the back of the net for his first goal of the season to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Ander Castillo sent a rocket into the net for his Empire 8 leading 12th goal and a commanding 2-0 lead for the Mavericks. Utica continued its attack and drew a penalty in the 56th minute. Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) was able to put the ball in the net which was his sixth goal of the season and his third converted penalty kick of the season. The Pioneers started aggressively attacking looking for the equalizer and Byamungu Mugushu (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Grimes) was able to tie the contest in the 83rd minute off a loft from Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) for the assist. In the second half, although out-shot, Utica did not allow a goal on Medaille's 12 shots as Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) had six saves. His stellar second half helped keep the Mavericks off the board and keep the game tied as the Pioneers were able to force a draw.
 
Where We Stand: The Pioneers are currently second in the Empire 8 standings behind Russell Sage after their impressive tie with Medaille University. Utica is in second, yet have one less game played than Sage and will look to secure wins over Oswego State and an Empire 8victory over Nazareth this week. The team averages a stunning 19 shots per game which leads the Empire 8. The offense has been clicking and averages 2.833 goals per game (third in E8) and 1.833 assists per game which is second in the Empire 8.
 
Stars Shining: Utica's comeback was fueled by Baker-Green and Mugushu. Baker-Green is now third in the Empire 8 with 16 points as he has recorded six goals and four assists this year. Mugushu is fourth in the Empire 8 with six goals and two assists and both of them proved that today having their fingerprints all over Utica's comeback to tie with Medaille University. Goalkeeper Foti Xidias (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) continued to shine in the net with a season-high six saves and allowed no goals in the second half.
 
About Oswego State: The Lakers are currently 2-5-1 on the season and 0-2-1 in SUNYAC Conference play. Their most recent game was on Saturday when they were defeated by SUNY Cortland 5-2 at home. Kieran Gilroy leads the charge for the Lakers with three goals and six points on the season. Kyle Gehnrich and Chris Smith round out the top playmakers for Oswego State. In net, Matt D'Arpino has played in seven of eight games and sports a .684 save percentage this season with 26 saves.
 
Scouting Nazareth College: The Golden Flyers are 5-2-1 and have a 1-0-1 Empire 8 Conference record. In their most recent match, Nazareth tied with Houghton 0-0 this past Saturday in a tough fought match. Cuneyt Vardar is tied for the Empire 8 lead in goals and points with 11 goals and 24 points on the season. The Golden Flyers have Jake Pawilka leading the Empire 8 with seven assists and has a three-assist lead over second place Utica's Cody Baker-Green (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley). Logan Menna has 31 saves this season and sports an impressive .769 save percentage.
 
Up Next: On Tuesday, October 4 the Pioneers will hit the road as they clash with Hamilton College at 4:30 p.m. in Clinton, NY.