Bulldogs host CCSU Sunday with playoff hopes on the line

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With just one contest remaining on the 2013 regular season schedule, the Bryant University men's soccer team has an opportunity to make history, Sunday afternoon vs. Central Connecticut State.

Currently sitting tied for second place with 10 points (Saint Francis U.) in the Northeast Conference standings, the Bulldogs have the opportunity to clinch their first ever NEC Tournament berth on Sunday. After already tying their Division I program record six wins, the Black and Gold enter Sunday's match vs. the Blue Devils with a 3-2-1 league mark. As it stands right now, either a win or a tie on Sunday will push Bryant into the postseason, but even if the Bulldogs lose they may still have an opportunity to clinch a spot in the tourney due to tiebreakers.

However, CCSU will not make it easy for the Black and Gold as the Blue Devils come to Smithfield with a perfect 6-0 mark against NEC opponents this season. Sophomore Zach Zurita leads his team with 15 points on five goals and five assists, while senior Eddy Bogle sits just behind his second-year counterpart with 12 points on five scores and pair of helpers. Junior Josef Abele has been terrific in net for the Blue Devils, allowing just one goal in his last four starts.

Last season in New Britain, Conn., the Bulldogs picked up a huge 2-1 double overtime victory over the Blue Devils thanks to some late-game heroics from sophomore Brett Larocque (Ottawa, Ont.) and Chris Knaub (Yarmouth, Maine).

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