BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team is in the midst of a playoff hunt, with just two games remaining in the 2018 regular season. The Blackbirds (10-4-1, 5-1 Northeast Conference) are looking to clinch tournament hosting duties for the first time since 2015, with two of the toughest NEC schools left on their schedule. LIU will take on Bryant on the road this weekend, traveling to Smithfield, R.I., for a meet up Sunday, October 28 at 1 p.m.
NEC STANDINGS
The Blackbirds hold the top spot in the NEC standings with two weeks left to play, and 15 total points. Saint Francis U. is right behind LIU with 14 points, while Bryant (11 points) and St. Francis Brooklyn (9 points) are in third and fourth place in the standings respectively. Fairleigh Dickinson is also knocking on the door, with eight points in fifth place. The Blackbirds will take on two of those teams over the last two weekends, including the Bulldogs this weekend, and the Knights in the regular season finale next week.
LAST TIME OUT
The Blackbirds had their nine game winning streak snapped on a snowy Sunday afternoon at Saint Francis University, as the home team would score a goal with just two seconds left in the game to take the 1-0 win. The loss was the first for LIU in over a month, as the Blackbirds move to 10-4-1 on the season, and 5-1 in Northeast Conference play.
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs enter the weekend with a 3-7-3 overall record, and all three wins coming in NEC play. Bryant is currently third in the standings, with a 3-1-2 in conference action. The Bulldogs had a win and a tie last weekend to stay in the playoff hunt, with a big 1-0 victory over Sacred Heart, and a 1-1 double overtime draw with Mount St. Mary's. They've also drawn with Saint Francis U., and beating both RMU and FDU. Their lone NEC loss this season was a 1-0 decision at the hands of defending NEC champions St. Francis Brooklyn.
LIU holds the all time advantage in the young rivalry, 5-3-2 in the last ten years. The Blackbirds have won their meeting with Bryant for the last three years straight, including a 1-0 win last year.
The Bulldogs are led by freshman phenom Ben Williams, who's scored a team-high four goals, along with two assists, and is the reigning Co-Player and Rookie of the Week in the NEC.
UP NEXT
The Blackbirds will take on FDU on LIU Field in the regular season finale, Saturday, November 4 at 1 p.m., in a game that may determine who will host the NEC Championships November 9 and 11th.