League play heats up this weekend and I have five matchups, I’ll be closely watching this weekend.
Friday Night Appetizer
UMBC vs. Stony Brook
Both teams open up their America East slate. Stony Brook is coming off a loss to St. John’s while UMBC Defeated Mount Saint Mary’s by ten last weekend. UMBC is led by attackman Matt Gregoire who has been outstanding with twenty six goals on the year while Pat Young and Jack Gannon provide an excellent 1-2 punch at midfield. Freshman Connor Gordon has had a good start to his freshman year saving fifty six percent of his shots, while having a 10.01 GAA.
Stony Brook is led by Challen Rogers and Matt Schultz with thirty two points and Brody Eastwood leads the team with 26 goals. Hayden Johnstone is the likely starter in goal for the Seawolves. In this contest, I like UMBC by three.
Saturday
Cornell vs. Dartmouth
In my opinion, Cornell is the #1 ranked team in the Country with an 8-0 record at the midpoint of the season. Matt Donovan and Dan Lintner have been a great scoring combo at attack while Connor Buczek has been great at midfield, his play has him in the running for 1st team All-American at the end of the year. Mike Olentine leads Dartmouth with ten points on the year for coach Andy Towers squad. Ivy League games are always too close to call, but in this contest I like the Big Red over Dartmouth by four
Loyola vs. Colgate
This is an excellent matchup for a very good Loyola team versus Colgate. Loyola behind super set up man Justin Ward and his thirty two assists, have a great attack with Nikko Pontrello and Brian Schultz who complement Ward nicely. Colgate also has a strong attack behind Ryan Walsh and Brendon McCann who are the top two scorers on their team. In an upset, I’m taking Colgate to win at home.
Denver vs. Georgetown
Big East Matchup and I like Denver’s offense in this game. Freshman Zach Miller is a great addition to this team and is already leading the team in scoring. I’m taking the Pioneers over the Hoyas by six.
Furman vs. High Point
Atlantic Sun battle down in Greenville, SC as Furman hosts High Point. For Furman, junior Kenny Meinsen and freshman Graham Dabbs are tied for the team lead in points, but defensive play is going to be the key to Furman winning their 1st game. High Point counters with Dan Lomas and Matt Thistle on offense and Austin Geisler in the cage. The Panthers of HPU have a little more offense, and will squeak by Furman by a goal.
