New Britain, CT and Erie, PA- The Mercyhurst Men's Soccer team has been preparing for their first Northeast Conference matchup after having twelve days off since their last match against Rider University. They begin by making the seven-hour drive to Central Connecticut State University this Thursday. This Sunday, the Lakers will host Chicago State University in their first home match as a Division I University. 
 
Lakers Run of Form 
Mercyhurst Men's Soccer is currently 3-5 and are the only men's team in the NEC who has yet to play an NEC matchup. The Lakers currently sit seventh in the NEC men's soccer standings. They started the season 0-3, won their next three in a row, and have recently lost their last two. It is worth noting that Austin Solomon's side have not lost by a deficit of more than two goals this season. They are coming off of narrow losses to Northern Illinois and Rider where they were shut out in both matches. They will look to leading scorers Jorge Tallada Torres and Luis Felipe Santos for goals in these upcoming matches. Senior captain Dylan Sumner will also be a key playmaker in the midfield as the Lakers look to get back on the scoresheet. 
 
Scouting the Blue Devils 
The Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils are currently 0-8-1 and 0-1 in conference play. The Blue Devils currently sit ninth in the NEC men's soccer standings. They have yet to win a match this season. They have scored just five goals while allowing at least 2.78 goals per game. They recently lost 4-1 to Howard in their first conference match this past Sunday. The Blue Devils will look to senior midfielder Zane Brown who has two goals on the season to provide scoring opportunities in the final third.  
 
Scouting the Cougars 
The Chicago State University Cougars are currently 1-6-1 and 0-0-1 in conference play. They currently sit sixth in the NEC men's soccer rankings. It is worth noting this is their first season as a Division I institution in the NEC alongside Mercyhurst. They are coming off of a 0-0 draw with Long Island University in their first conference match this past Sunday. Their only win this season was a 2-1 away victory against Detroit Mercy on September 2nd. The Cougars will hope to use senior forward Danail Sergiev and junior forward Hilary Odhiambo to try and find the back of the net as these two sit atop their scoresheet. The Cougars will travel to Erie, PA to face a Laker side who outscored their opponents 28-9 at home last season. 
 
Kickoff Dates, Times, and Where to Watch
Mercyhurst will play at Central Connecticut State on Thursday, October 3rd. Kickoff for that match is set for 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Mercyhurst then plays Chicago State at home on Sunday, October 6th. Kickoff for that match at Saxon Stadium will begin at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Viewers can find live coverage of both of these matches on the NEC Front Row.