BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team will take on two of their toughest opponents this season, both on the road, and both this weekend. The Blackbirds first head to Durham, N.H., where they'll face off against #19 nationally ranked University of New Hampshire Friday at 7 p.m.. They follow that up with a Sunday matinée against the University of Vermont, who's ranked fourth in the Northeast Region, and receiving votes in the national poll.
LAST TIME OUT
The unbeaten Blackbirds are riding the momentum from a big 2-1 overtime win against Northeastern Monday. LIU (1-0-1), who has seen both of its contests go to OT so far this season, had a golden goal win over the Huskies at home Friday, thanks to the sure foot of junior captain Marius Koss. Sophomore Fredrik Mathisen is the team's leading scorer two games in, having taken just two shots this season, and scoring on both of them.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
UNH is looking to build on a historic 2017 season, and so far, 2018 is right on track. The Wildcats, who are ranked #19 in the nation, were also picked to finish second in the America East Conference. The team returns 19 players from a team that went 13-4-5 last year, and advanced to the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament.
So far this season, New Hampshire is 1-1. The Wildcats are coming off a 1-0 overtime win over Fairfield Monday. Their lone loss came at the hands of #15 Virginia in the season opener. Last year, UNH went unbeaten at home, tallying a 10-0-3 record at Wildcat Stadium.
This is only the second-ever meeting between LIU and UNH. The two teams met for the first time in 2006, which the Wildcats won, 2-0.
SCOUTING THE CATAMOUNTS
Vermont, who was picked to finish fourth in the AEC, is also starting to make waves on the national level. UVM climbed to No. 4 in this week's United Soccer Coaches Northeast Regional Poll, and the Catamounts also received seven votes in the national rankings. UVM won the America East's regular season crown last year, and had eight All-League selections, including the Goalkeeper of the Year, now-junior Aron Runarsson.
The Catamounts are 1-1-0 so far this season, with a 2-0 season opening win against Elon. Their lone loss was a 3-2 overtime decision at #10 Duke last weekend. UVM will take on Northeastern Friday before facing off against the Blackbirds Sunday.
Senior forward Geo Alves has scored two of UVM's four goals so far this season, both against Duke. The Brazilian national fired off six shots against the Blue Devils. Senior forward Justin Freitas will also be a force, as he is second on the team in points, with a goal and an assist so far this season.
Vermont and LIU will be facing off for the fourth time in program history. LIU won the first two games of the series in the 60's, but UVM won the most recent matchup, a 3-0 decision in 2016.
UP NEXT
The Blackbirds will head west, on a two-game swing through California. LIU will take on San Diego State, Friday, September 7, before facing off against Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, Sunday, September 9.