Bulldogs hit road for pair of huge NEC matches

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With four games remaining on its 2013 regular season schedule, the Bryant University men's soccer team will look to make a final push in an attempt to earn its first-ever Division I postseason berth.

Sitting in a three-way tie for third place in the Northeast Conference standings, the Bulldogs hold their own destiny in the palms of their hands. However, a lot is yet to be determined. Winning two of their first three NEC matches, the Black and Gold have put themselves in a strong position to make a run at a spot in the NEC Tournament come November. This weekend will be a strong indicator of where Bryant lies in the landscape of the league playoff picture as a pair of matches in Brooklyn, N.Y., are sure to test the Bulldogs.

On Friday, Bryant heads to LIU Brooklyn, who also sits at 2-1 in the NEC, tied with Bryant with six total points. Brice Merwine and Nathan Stewart lead the Blackbirds with six points apiece, while John Connolly and Logan Keys have combined for a 1.27 goals against average. Last season in Smithfield, the Bulldogs exploded for four goals, including a pair from sophomore Brett Larocque (Ottawa, Ont.), to top LIU, 4-1.

On Sunday, Bryant will stay in Brooklyn for a showdown with St. Francis. Interestingly enough, the Terriers are the third team (tied with Bryant and LIU) sitting at 2-1 in the NEC. SFC is led by Kevin Correa's 21 points on eight goals and five assist, followed closely by Gabriel Bagot's 14 points on six goals and two helpers. In goal, Jack Binks has logged nearly 1,000 minutes, posting an impressive 0.83 goals against average. Last season, the Bulldogs topped the Terriers in a shootout in Brooklyn, 4-3.

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