MOON TOWNSHIP– The RMU men’s soccer team (3-9-2, 2-3-1 NEC) is looking to get into a rhythm as they get ready to close out their season with three games left. The first of these last three games will bring on an NEC matchup with the struggling Sacred Heart Pioneers (2-8-2, 1-2-2 NEC). The history between these two teams has been relatively close, with RMU leading the series 7-6. RMU took the last matchup between the two teams last year by a score of 3-1. RMU has lost their last two games, so let’s see if they can find a way to end their season on a high note, starting with a win against Sacred Heart.

Previewing RMU

RMU men’s soccer is looking for a way to finish their season on a strong note with three games remaining. They are coming off of a tough 5-0 loss to St. Francis Brooklyn (7-4-1, 3-3 NEC). It seemed like RMU could not get anything going all around, as St. Francis Brooklyn took control of the whole game. The Terriers went into halftime with a 2-0 lead, and they never looked back. They would go on to score three more goals in the second half, two of which came in the final ten minutes of the game.

The Terriers proved to be unstoppable for the Colonials, as their offense showed off their firepower throughout the whole game. They generated 27 shots to RMU’s six shots, along with 11 shots on goal to RMU’s three shots on goal. RMU has struggled to get their offense going all season, only being able to score three or more goals in one game, and being shutout half of their games this season. RMU has also struggled defensively throughout the course of this season, having given up three or more goals in almost half of their games this season. The Colonials hope that they will get some late-season momentum going with a win against Sacred Heart this Friday.

Previewing Sacred Heart

The Sacred Heart Pioneers are coming off a good win against Mount St. Mary’s (6-6, 2-2 NEC) this past weekend, taking the match by a score of 3-1. The game was relatively even all around, with both teams putting up a good fight, but Sacred Heart came out on top. The stats, however, made the score seem closer than 3-1. Mount St. Mary’s led in shots with 15 to Sacred Heart’s 14 shots, but Sacred Heart led in shots on goal with nine to Mount St. Mary’s six shots on goal.

It was a good team win for Sacred Heart, but the highlight of the game for them was sophomore Segundo Navarro. He helped lead his team to victory by scoring the only hat trick in Sacred Heart men’s Division-I soccer history. While it was a good showing from the Pioneers, they have also struggled offensively this season. Out of 12 games this season, they have been shutout in eight of those games, and have also managed to score only seven goals in all 12 games. They will look to find a spark against RMU this Friday.

Players to Watch

Christian Coridon (RMU)

Coridon has played a huge part in the offense for RMU this season, generating 24 shots, with half of those shots accounting for shots on goal. He is also tied for third on the team with three points. Look for him to continue to contribute to the offense for RMU against Sacred Heart.

Riccardo Rota (RMU)

Riccardo has also shown his offensive dominance for RMU throughout the course of the season. He currently leads the team in points with eight, scoring four goals, and is tied with Coridon for most shots on the team with 24 shots. He will look to continue his scoring ways against a Sacred Heart team that struggles defensively.

Segundo Navarro (Sacred Heart)

Navarro has been quite the highlight for the Pioneers this season. Out of the seven goals Sacred Heart has scored this season, he has managed to score six, and has also taken 61 shots for the Pioneers this season. Expect him to be a big factor for Sacred Heart this Friday at RMU.

Riley Sullivan (Sacred Heart)

Sullivan has also found ways to contribute to the offense for the Pioneers this season. He is tied for second on the team in assists and also tied for second on the team with 19 shots. He will look to continue to help produce offensive for the Pioneers against the Colonials.

Prediction

With both teams looking for a win to gain some late-season momentum, this should be a good matchup, given the offensive firepower on both sides. While I believe RMU has what it takes to keep this NEC match up close, it could be hard for them to find a way to stop Segundo Navarro and his offensive abilities, which is why I predict the Pioneers will come out with a close 2-1 win against the Colonials at the North Athletic Complex this Friday.