| Video - Rider | Video - Manhattan | Live Stats (Both Matches) |

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team opens its 2016 home schedule with a pair of contests at LIU Field this weekend. The Blackbirds will host defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion No. 22 Rider for a matchup between two NCAA Tournament teams on Friday, Sept. 16 at 5:00 p.m., before taking on local rival Manhattan on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free for all fans for both contests and can be seen on NEC Front Row.

LIU is coming off a 1-1 draw with Howard on Sept. 11 which saw the Bison accrue five yellow cards in what was a physical affair. After falling behind in the first half, freshman Marius Koss scored the first goal of his collegiate career late in the second period to tie the match. For his efforts, Koss was named NEC Rookie of the Week, becoming the second LIU player in three weeks to earn the award (Giuseppe Barone).

Sophomore Rasmus Hansen nearly earned three points for the Blackbirds in the second overtime period, but his shot hit the post in the 107th minute. Barone also had a go late in the second extra session but his attempt was denied by Howard's goalkeeper.

The Broncs (4-1-0) began the year with four straight victories before a recent 3-1 loss to Princeton on Tuesday. Prior to the three goals allowed against the Tigers, Rider had given up just one goal over the first four matches and had defeated Villanova, La Salle, NJIT and Temple by a combined score of 8-1. Clement Bourret (2G, 1A) and Christian Flath (1G, 3A) are tied for the team lead in points with five, while Ryan Baird has started all five matches in goal.

Manhattan (0-4-1) is still in search of its first victory of the year and is coming off a scoreless draw against Fordham on Sept. 14. The Jaspers also have yet to score a goal this season. Connor Hayes had four saves in his first shutout this season against the Rams.