By: Laura Chapman
Assistant Sports Information Director
chapmal@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
Photo: Jennifer Jones
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – After a tough loss to regional opponent Misericordia, and 10 days off due to the postponement of the match with U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the Juniata College men's soccer team will get back into Landmark Conference action this Saturday, Oct. 12, against Goucher College. The 3:30 p.m. match will be the second half of a double header with the women's team who will also face the Gophers.
"It wasn't ideal, not playing on Saturday," said head coach Dan Dubois. "But it may have been a blessing in disguise for us. We're getting some guys healthy and getting them some time off around midterms to focus on their studies. Let them get caught up on some stuff so they can clear their heads and work hard during the time that we're on the field."
The Eagles are 9-2-1 on the year and are 1-0 in Landmark play for the first time in program history. Juniata currently stands at No. 9 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) Mid-Atlantic regional poll, earning regional distinction for the second consecutive week. The Eagles have only lost one home contest of the season so far and, overall, have outscored their opponents 25-7. The Juniata defense is operating at a 0.57 goals against average and has six shutouts this season.
"Taking a couple of days off and letting them recover and focus on their studies will be hugely beneficial for us gearing up for the weekend," added Dubois. "Then it's just a matter of getting back to work, jumping back in where we left off, and keeping our training going. We're comfortable with what we were doing so it's just about getting back out there and getting back into the groove."
Goucher currently stand at 6-5-1 on the year and is 1-1 in conference matchup after a painful double-overtime loss to The University of Scranton on a late penalty kick. Junior Nate Margolis, with four goals and three assists so far this season, leads the Gophers' offense. Goucher has allowed 15 goals against through twelve games, but has also scored 23 of its own.
"They are a much-improved team," said Dubois. "They just lost to Scranton in double overtime on a penalty kick so they are playing with the best teams out there and competing very well. I'm expecting them to come in with a lot of energy and be focused to go. This game will do a lot for both of our programs to figure out who has a shot at making post-season this year. We're both up and coming right now in the Landmark."
Since the inception of the Landmark, Juniata is 2-3-1 all-time against the Gophers. Two of the six matches between the two programs have been decided in overtime with the lone tie reaching the full 120 minutes without either team netting a goal. Both teams have scored six goals in their six meetings.
"Their coach has been there for a couple of years now," added Dubois. "He knows what he's doing and has done a great job getting some good players. He knows strategically what they are trying to do. I think it's going to be a great match up."
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