Men's soccer welcomes Holy Cross Saturday (1 pm)

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's soccer team welcomes Holy Cross to the Bulldog Soccer Field Saturday afternoon (1 p.m.) as the Bulldogs look get things going with just three matches until opening Northeast Conference play.

Bryant (2-4) enters Saturday's action coming off a tough 2-1 loss to Rider on Sunday, its third one-goal defeat of the season. Despite dominating play for the final 45 minutes on Sunday, a two-score first half for the Broncs proved to be too much for the Bulldogs as they fall two-games below .500 for the second time this year.

Junior forward Connor Norat (Wilmington, Del.) and sophomore defender Jake Lamar (New Haven, Conn.) have put together strong starts for the Black and Gold, each recording five points (2g, 1a) through the first six games. Sophomore Brett Larocque (Ottawa. Ont.) ranks second on the squad with a pair of markers, while junior defender Shane Murphy (Kennett Square, Pa.) leads the team with a trio of assists in just five games played.

Holy Cross comes to Smithfield sporting a 1-3-1 overall mark, coming off its first win of the season over Sacred Heart on Wednesday. With all five of their matches coming down to one goal or less, the Crusaders balanced attack, led by Monty Sanders, will be a true test for the Bulldogs on Saturday. Netminder Kevin Wright has been sharp between the pipes, allowing just five scores in four games (1.18 gaa), with a .815 save percentage.

Last season, a Josh Cintas tally in the 61st minute was the difference in the tightly contested match in Worcester, Mass. The Bulldogs will be out for revenge on Saturday as they look to build some momentum heading into conference play.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University men's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.