ON THE ROAD AGAIN

So far in its six game road trip the Pride has only secured one victory, which clinched the Clemson Invitational tournament two weeks ago. Before that win the Pride lost to No. 25 Coastal Carolina University and then most recently tied No. 18 College of William & Mary, and lost to No. 27 Old Dominion University. The pattern of rankings continues, as the last two teams of the road trip have also been nationally ranked at one point in the season. No. 15 Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and UNC Wilmington can provide a hefty challenge. These rankings were developed by College Soccer News.

LAST MONARCH ENCOUNTER

Last year’s loss to the Monarchs came when they were ranked No. 4 in the nation, but the Pride only allowed one goal in defeat. The two teams have only played each other five times; the first in 1992 resulted in a 5-0 Pride loss. The all-time head-to-head stands at 1-3-1 in the Monarchs favor, and the Pride’s lone victory was in 2001, a 3-2 overtime victory.

ON THE FIELD

Michael Todd played in and started 17 of 18 games last season, and until now had played in every game of this year. His presence on offense is needed on the field if the Pride wants any chance of success. Before the Coastal Carolina game, Todd ranked second in the CAA in total shots with 32, and second in average shots per game at 3.44. Ricardo Opoku of VCU is the only player in front with 43 total shots and a 4.78 average.

UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY

The Pride has only faced VCU twice and UNC Wilmington once in team history. The Pride is winless in these meetings and now is the time to capture wins against these highly touted teams. Regardless of inexperience against the teams, the Pride knows its capabilities, and realize being nationally ranked means something.