Bulldogs open weekend at RMU

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With four games remaining in the regular season, the Bryant University men's soccer team hits the road this weekend for a pair of Northeast Conference matches against Pennsylvania foes Robert Morris and Saint Francis (PA).

The Bulldogs (1-10-1, 0-6 NEC) scored in back-to-back games last weekend after being held without a goal in their previous two, but have dropped six straight dating back to Sept. 30.  Senior forward Nicholas Parisi (Holbrook, N.Y.) is the lone player with 10 points on the year, tallying a team-leading four goals and two assists.  Sophomore Nicholas Alberti (Dorchester, Mass.) was the most prolific Bulldog on the offensive side of the ball last weekend, scoring his first two collegiate goals in as many games in losses against Central Connecticut and Mount St. Mary's. 

Bryant will be looking to keep an edge over Robert Morris in the all-time series record, holding a 1-0-2 mark against the Colonials in three previous meetings.  Most recently, both teams fought to a 1-1 draw in Smithfield on Oct. 1, 2010.  The Bulldogs will also be looking for their first victory against Saint Francis (PA) in program history. 

First up for the Bulldogs will be a tilt with the Colonials (4-8-1, 0-6) on Friday.  RMU has played well at home dating back to last season, posting a 2-2-1 mark in Moon Township this year and a 9-2-1 record in its last 12 home games.  The Colonials enter the weekend riding a six-game losing streak, as RMU's last win came on Sept. 22 against nearby rival Duquesne.

Sophomore Prince Samuels has led the Colonials' offense, as his six goals this season have already eclipsed his total of four from last season.   He has also dished out one assist, bringing his team-high total to 13 points.  Miro Cabrilohas is the only other play above the 10-point mark, tallying four goals and two helpers for 10 points.  Toba Bolaji has started 11 games in net, posting a 1.58 goals against average along with a .784 save percentage.

On Sunday, Bryant will round out its trip in the Keystone State against the Red Flash (7-6-1, 3-3), who find themselves in the midst of a five-way tie for the fourth and final playoff spot in the conference standings.  SFPA has been as consistent as any other team in the conference this season; the Red Flash have not won more than two consecutive games over the course of the year, but have also not lost more than two in a row.

Freshman Pablo Medina notched his fourth assist of the season last weekend in wins over Long Island and St. Francis (NY), tying him for the team lead with senior Kingsley McLeod.  Both players have reached the 10-point mark by virtue of three goals and four assists apiece. 

Another key player for SFPA last weekend was senior goalkeeper Darius Motazed, who blanked both opponents in net to pick up his fifth and sixth shutout victories of the season.  The North Vancouver native now boasts an impressive 0.80 GAA on the year, with a .850 save percentage between the posts.   

For continuing coverage of Bryant University men's soccer, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and be sure to follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.