BALTIMORE - The UMBC men's soccer team (4-1-1) gets another tough test before opening America East Conference play when the American University Eagles invade Retriever Soccer Park on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
 
It's the first match between these DMV combatants since 1997. Kick-off time is set for 7:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Paul Mittermeier on the call.
 
 
BREAKING NEWS:

• The Retrievers utilized the enthusiasm of the Retriever Soccer Park crowd and their effective style of play to defeat No. 16/25 Cornell, 2-1, before 1,935 energized fans on Sept 16.
• Senior forward Taylor Calheira scored both UMBC goals as all three scores in the game came via the penalty kick, while sophomore goalkeeper Emigdio Tormo Lopez made a UMBC season-high seven saves in the victory.
• UMBC's 4-1-1 start matches last year's record after six games and is the best since a 9-0-0 start to the 2013 campaign. The Retrievers are currently ranked No. 15 in Daniel Curry's RPI Update.
• Calheira leads the team with six goals and one assist through six games. He is tied for ninth in the country with six goals and tied for third with 1.0 goals per game. His 28 goals is two shy of entering UMBC's top ten list.
• Classmates Alek Wroblewski and Loc San have two goals apiece, while Jago Lott, Robbie Ryerson and Ty Stroud have all contributed a pair of assists.

 
A GLANCE AT THE EAGLES          

• American (1-2-2) has played a rigorous schedule to open the season, with games versus VCU (2-2 draw) and West Virginia (2-1 loss). The Mountaineers are currently ranked No. 3 nationally in the Sept. 18 College Soccer News poll.
• Most recently, AU's Ethan Boyle scored with two minutes remaining to help forge a 1-1 draw at Holy Cross on Saturday.  
• American exploded for four goals in a 4-1 win over Temple on Sept. 8. Junior midfielder Zemi Rodriguez scored twice and added an assist in the win.  Senior forward Robbie Matei also has two goals and a helper on the season for AU.
• American (8-7-5) lost in the Patriot League Championship game at Navy in 2022.

  
THE ALL-TIME SERIES

• This evening's match is the first between UMBC and American since 1997.
• The Retrievers have never beaten the Eagles, with six losses and a draw from 1986-97.
• The last meeting ended up in a 1-1 draw on the turf of UMBC Stadium in 1997.

 
UP NEXT
UMBC opens America East Conference play at UAlbany on Saturday, Sept. 23. The match gets underway at 6:00 p.m.