Bryant opens NEC play over weekend

Smithfield, R.I. – Coming off a dominant performance against NJIT on Sept. 29, the Bryant University men's soccer team will open Northeast Conference play at Robert Morris on Friday before heading to Saint Francis U. on Sunday (both at 3 p.m.).

After a rejuvenating win over the Highlanders and almost two weeks of rest, the Bulldogs (3-6) will look to ride the momentum heading into the weekend. Against NJIT, sophomore forward Brett Larocque (Ottawa, Ont.) found the back of the net twice to help snap Bryant's three game skid just in time to start NEC play.

The well-rested Bulldogs will head to Moon Township, Pa., for a showdown with the Colonials Friday at 3 p.m. Robert Morris enters weekend action boasting a strong 5-3-2 overall mark, currently riding a four-game win streak. During their run, the Colonials have outscored opponents, 12-2, and are now 4-0 at home. Sophomore Neco Brett currently leads the NEC with a whopping 21 points on nine goals and three assists. Senior Miro Cabrilo and junior Carl Reid are not far behind with nine and eight points, respectively. In net, freshman Joseph Kuta has allowed just 10 goals in 10 starts, posting a .762 save percentage. Last year, the Bulldogs scored twice in the first half to top Robert Morris, 2-1.

The road doesn't get any easier for the Black and Gold as they head to Saint Francis U. just two days later for a showdown with the first place Red Flash on Sunday. Entering weekend action with a 7-2-2, last year's NEC Championship runner-up opens league play with Fairleigh Dickinson on Friday, before hosting Bryant on Sunday. Nick Kolarac leads the Red Flash with 15 points on 7 goals and an assist, while Ryan Byers and Matt Loughnane have combined for five assists through 11 games. Netminder Daniel Valcicak has allowed just five goals in nine starts between the pipes, stopping .891 percent of all shots on goal thus far. Last September, Saint Francis U. escaped Bryant with a 1-0 win off a score in the 55th minute on a rainy day in Smithfield.

The Bulldogs will look to make their mark on the Northeast Conference with a strong showing this weekend in the Keystone State.

For links to Live Stats and streaming video of weekend action and all the latest news on the Bryant University men's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.