BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team opens Northeast Conference play this weekend, heading north to take on Sacred Heart in Fairfield, Conn., this Sunday, October 8.
 
GAME DAY INFORMATION
Sacred Heart Pioneers (3-7, 0-0 NEC) vs. LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (1-6-2, 0-0 NEC)
Location: Fairfield, Conn. – Park Avenue Field
Game Time: 4:00 p.m.
Live Stats: SacredHeartPioneers.com
 
SCOUTING THE PIONEERS
Sacred Heart enters the NEC opening weekend with a  3-7 overall record. The Pioneers had a dramatic month of September, playing four straight overtime games. The stretch included wins over Saint Peter's, St. Joe's and Iona, and a double OT loss to Siena, 2-1. SHU also lost to NJIT earlier in the season, 1-0, and most recently, dropped a 4-1 decision Tuesday on the road against Stony Brook.
 
The Pioneers were picked to finish sixth in the preseason NEC Coaches' Poll this year, after qualifying for the fourth seed in the NEC Tournament last year. The Blackbirds beat Sacred Heart on LIU Field last October, 5-0.
 
SHU's two leading scorers are sophomore defender Oscar Curras (two goals, two assists), and senior forward Ermir Celaj (two goals, one assists). Four other Pioneers have also scored goals this season.
 
UP NEXT
The Blackbirds continue to take on the Connecticut contingent of the NEC, returning to the Nutmeg State to take on Central Connecticut State, Friday, October 13 at 4 p.m.