RINDGE, N.H. (October 30, 2017) – The Franklin Pierce University men's soccer team will travel to no. 24 nationally-ranked Merrimack College for the Northeast-10 Conference Quarterfinals tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. on Martone-Mejail Field.

The Crimson and Grey make their second consecutive appearance in the NE10 Tournament as they defeated the Southern New Hampshire University 2-1 in double overtime last year in the first round. Current Raven defender Charlie Madden (Newton Abbott, England) headed home the game-winner for Franklin Pierce. However, FPU suffered a 2-0 setback to Adelphi University in the Semifinals and a 3-2 overtime defeat at the hands of the Warriors in the 2016 NCAA Championship East Regional – First Round. Overall, the Ravens are 20-14 (.588) in the conference tournament with three league title victories (2006, 2010, 2011), the last coming in 2011.

Merrimack is a three-time conference champion with their most recent NE10 title coming in 1997, which capped off a run of three consecutive titles (1995-1997). The Warriors are 23-23 (.500) in the conference tournament and as they have appeared in the championship game twice over the past five seasons. Last year, the Warriors shutout American International College 2-0 in the first round, but they suffered a 2-1 setback to Le Moyne College in the semi-finals. After defeating the Ravens, the Warriors dropped a 1-0 decision to no. 1 nationally-ranked Long Island University – Post in the 2016 NCAA Regional Second Round.

Since the 2008 campaign, the Ravens are a combined 6-8-1 versus the Warriors with Merrimack holding a 5-1-1 edge over the Crimson and Grey during the past five calendar years.

SCOUTING THE RAVENS

The Ravens earned the no. 7 seed in the tourney and finished the year at 7-6-2, 5-6-1 NE-10. FPU began the season at 5-0-0 overall with strong goaltending from one-time NE10 Goaltender of the Week sophomore Jadel Poon-Lewis (Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago) who set new personal-bests with 19 total goals allowed, a 1.22 goals-against average and four shutout victories. The Ravens struggled over the remainder of the season-ending their schedule with a 2-6-2 mark in their final 10 matches. Sophomore midfielder Noam Kolakofsky (Liman, Israel) who started and played in all 15 games for the Ravens led the Crimson and Grey offensively. Kolakofsky set new career-highs in goals (6), assists (6), points (18), shots (57) and shots on goal (24). His six assists are the fourth most in the conference.

As a team, the Crimson and Grey rank third in the league in shots per game (15.2), sixth in total shots (230), goals for per game (1.60), goals allowed (19), and goals against average (1.22).

SCOUTING THE WARRIORS

The no. 24 ranked Warriors earned the no. 2 seed after going 13-2-2 overall and 10-1-2 NE10 over the season. Merrimack is led by one-time NE10 Rookie of the Week, freshman Filippo Begliardi Ghidini who paced the Warriors offense in points (18) and goals (7). Teammate Lars Sund added five goals, seven assists, which was the second highest helper total in the league. One-time NE10 Goalkeeper of the Week, senior Lucas Rezende has been tough to score on this season as he's allowed a NE10 low 0.57 goals-against average along with the third best goals allowed (10) and save percentage (.804) mark in the conference.

Altogether, Merrimack sports one of the best well-rounded teams in the entire NE10. On offense, The Warriors currently rank second in corner kicks (99), fourth in total goals (32) and shots per game (14.6) while they are also fifth in goals for per game (1.88), assists (22), total points (86) and shooting percentage (.129). Their defense is even better as they lead the conference in goals allowed (10), goals against per game (0.57) and shutout victories (10). Merrimack also is dead last in total saves (42) which is a testament to their strong goaltending and defensive unit.

EARLIER THIS SEASON

Both squads met earlier this year on Wednesday, October 18th as the Ravens headed to North Andover for their duel with the previously no. 9 nationally-ranked Warriors. In a tightly contested contest, the hosts came away with a 1-0 win as Warrior senior Mattia Lanzi scored off a turnover by Poon-Lewis as he chipped the ball over the goalie's head and into the empty cage.

HEADING TO THE GAME?

If you are planning on heading to the game here are the directions to Merrimack College and a campus map for directions to Martone-Mejail Field.

You will be required to pay a small gate fee to enter Martone-Mejail Field. The prices are…

Adults…..$6.00

Children, Students & Seniors…..$4.00

Northeast-10 Conference Students w/Identification…..$1.00

WHERE TO WATCH

Can't make it to the game? The NE10 and Merrimack have you covered with live stats and free video. Click the links below to access the live stats and video.

LIVE STATS | VIDEO

You can also view the NE10 2017 Men's Soccer Championship page by clicking here.

WHATS NEXT?

The winner of this contest will square off against the victor of the no. 6 College of Saint Rose/no. 3 Southern Connecticut State University Friday for the Semifinals game at the higher seeded team's home field.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports ) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce athletic apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).