MIDWAY, Ky. — With postseason positioning on the line, the Midway University men's soccer team returns to Midway Turf Field on Thursday, Oct. 22, for a pivotal River States Conference matchup against Brescia University.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. as the Eagles look to secure a much-needed conference victory with just three regular-season matches remaining.
Midway enters Thursday's contest with a 7-4-2 overall record and a 1-3 mark in RSC play. Brescia comes into the matchup at 6-5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference competition.
The Bearcats currently sit third in the conference standings with nine points, while the Eagles are tied with IU Columbus on three points. With the regular season winding down, Thursday's matchup presents an important opportunity for Midway to improve its position in the standings.
Under second-year head coach Stu Riddle, the Eagles have put together a productive offensive season, scoring 35 goals through 13 matches while recording 27 assists.
Last Time Out
Midway is looking to bounce back following a 3-1 conference loss to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Sunday, Oct. 18.
The defeat marked the Eagles' third consecutive RSC loss after falling to IU East, 3-2, on Oct. 8 and IU Columbus, 2-1, on Oct. 10.
Despite their recent conference struggles, the Eagles have demonstrated their offensive potential throughout the season. Midway has scored at least four goals in three matches, including a 10-0 victory over Cincinnati-Clermont on Sept. 25 and a 6-2 win over Boyce College on Oct. 3.
The Eagles also recorded a 4-0 road victory over Cincinnati-Clermont on Oct. 15.
Eagles Offensive Leaders
Senior forward George Spencer continues to lead the Midway attack and enters Thursday's matchup as one of the top offensive players in the River States Conference.
The Yeovil, England, native leads the RSC with 12 goals and 25 points through 13 appearances. Spencer has recorded 46 shots, including 28 on goal, and leads the conference in goals, points, shots and shots on goal.
Senior midfielder Saleh Ekuchi has also played a significant role in Midway's offensive production, recording five goals and six assists for 16 points.
Junior forward Elijah Orren has contributed five goals and two assists, while senior Miles Ezell has recorded four goals and five assists.
Sophomore Rhys Dickson is tied with Ekuchi for third in the conference with six assists, while Ezell ranks fifth with five.
As a team, Midway averages 2.69 goals per contest and has outscored its opponents 35-21 this season.
Scouting Brescia
Brescia enters Thursday's matchup under head coach Robert Bennett, holding a 6-5-2 overall record and a 3-1 mark in RSC play.
The Bearcats have scored 21 goals in 13 matches while allowing 28. Brescia has recorded 128 shots, including 67 on goal, and has registered 17 assists.
Junior midfielder Javi Fernandez Albandrea leads the Bearcats offensively with nine goals and 18 points in 13 appearances. He has accounted for nine of Brescia's 21 goals this season while recording 25 shots, including 17 on goal.
Felipe Molina ranks second on the team with three goals and one assist, while Brodie Finnie has contributed two goals and one assist.
Santi Arruffat leads Brescia with four assists and has also scored once this season.
In goal, freshman Jonathan Tucker has appeared in 10 matches, recording 34 saves and three shutouts. Tucker enters Thursday's contest with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .694 save percentage.
The Bearcats have been particularly successful in conference play, winning three of their first four RSC contests.
Historical Matchup
Thursday's contest will renew an evenly matched series between the Eagles and Bearcats.
The two programs are tied 4-4-2 in their all-time series, adding another element to an already important conference matchup.
With both teams looking to strengthen their postseason positioning, Thursday's result could prove significant as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
