Posted: Sep 28, 2019

Bryant welcomes Sacred Heart for NEC opener

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's soccer team opens Northeast Conference play Sunday when Sacred Heart visits the Bulldog Soccer Field.

The Bulldogs are looking for their third-straight win after recording victories over UMass and Brown in Bryant's final preparation for the NEC schedule.

The Series
A goal from Ben Williams (Unionville, Ontario) in the 74^th minute gave Bryant a 1-0 win at Sacred Heart last October. The Bulldogs are unbeaten in five of the last six meetings with the Pioneers.

Bulldogs Notes and Notables

First-half goals from seniors George Gill (Cork, Ireland) and Alex DaCosta (Bristol, R.I.) gave Bryant the advantage and the Bulldogs closed out their first-ever victory over in-state foe Brown last Sunday with a 2-1 win at the Bulldog Soccer Field.
DaCosta factored in on both goals for the Black & Gold on his way to NEC Player of the Week honors Tuesday.
Senior Olivier Larente (LaSalle, Quebec) made five saves against the Bears.
DaCosta ranks fourth in the nation in assists per game (0.83), ninth in total assists (5) and 26^th in points per game (1.83).
The Bulldogs lead all NEC teams with 1.67 goals per game entering NEC play.
DaCosta and Williams are tied for the team lead in goals with three each and have combined for seven of Bryant's eight assists this season. Freshman Diego Rodriguez (Woodbridge, Conn.) also contributed an assist in the Sept. 17 win over UMass.

A Bit About the Pioneers

Sacred Heart is 1-7 on the year and 0-1 in the NEC after dropping a 2-0 decision to Merrimack Friday in Fairfield.
The Pioneers' lone victory on the year was a 2-1 win over Saint Peter's Sept. 11.
Sacred Heart has been held to one goal over its last four contests.
Segundo Navarro has accounted for three of Sacred Heart's four goals on the season.

Up Next: Central Connecticut
Bryant continues its home stretch when the Bulldogs host Central Connecticut Friday in Smithfield.

Be sure to follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates during every game this season and an inside look at the program.