SMITHFIELD, R.I. -  The Fairleigh Dickinson University men's soccer team opens up NEC Conference play this weekend with a pair of games against Bryant and St. Francis Brooklyn.  The Knights will head to Smithfield Friday afternoon for a clash with the Bulldogs at 3 p.m. before returning home to host the Terriers at University Stadium Sunday night at 7 p.m.  

The Knights currently sit atop the NEC Conference with a 6-2-1 record.  

LAST MATCH

The Knights ended their nonconference schedule in thrilling fashion last Wednesday against Bucknell, coming back from a 2-0 deficit in the second half to score three unanswered goals, including an OT winner from Fredinho Mompremier.  Freshman Diego Arribas recorded primary assists on all three Knights goals, and goalkeeper Tiago Capela entered in relief in the second half, making two saves to backstop the Knights and earn his fourth win of the season. 

ALL TIME SERIES

The Knights are 4-2-2 in all-time series against Bryant, with their last victory against the Bulldogs coming last October, a 2-0 win for the Knights.  FDU is is 22-17-6 all-time against St. Francis Brooklyn, having last met in 2016.  The Knights last win over the Terriers was a 2-1 victory in 2013.   

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS 

The Bulldogs have yet to record a win so far in 2017, currently owning an 0-7-1 record through eight nonconference matches.  Bryant has had trouble both generating and preventing offense this year, having yet to score a goal so far this season, at the same time conceding 13 times in eight contests.  The Black and Gold return their leading scorer from a season ago in junior Nathaniel Brown (3G, 7P), as well as junior defender Charlie Booth, an All-NEC Second Team selection 2016.  The Bulldogs finished 3-10-3 (2-2-3 NEC) a year ago.  

SCOUTING THE TERRIERS 

The winners of three of the last four NEC Conference titles, St. Francis Brooklyn was the unanimous preseason favorite to defend the title and repeat as champs once again in 2017.   Currently sitting at 6-4 overall, the Terriers boast one of the most high-powered offenses in the NEC, with their 15 goals scored on the season third behind only the Knights and Saint Francis U.  Defense has been an issue at times for St. Francis Brooklyn, however.  The Terriers rank just sixth in the conference in goals conceded, having given up 14 on the year.  Much like the Knights, the Terriers are a team that boasts high-end offensive talent up front, with two top-ten conference scorers in Gilguem Sami and Ali Tounkara leading the way on offense. 

AROUND THE NEC

The Knights currently sit atop the NEC rankings at the onset of conference play with a 6-2-1 record and a .722 points percentage, and rank second in goals per game (1.89) and goals against average (1.19) amongst all NEC programs.  Freshman Diego Arribas was named the NEC Rookie of the Week for his three-assist performance against Bucknell, while red shirt junior Ahu Obhakhan was named NEC Player of the Week for his one goal, one assist effort in helping FDU secure the win.