Loretto, Pa. - The 2017 Saint Francis men's soccer team opens its season this Friday, Aug. 25, with a home match vs. Duquesne at 1 p.m before closing its week with a game at Bucknell on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m.

Live Friday: Live Stats | Live Video

Scouting Duquesne

The Dukes recorded an 8-5-5 record in 2016, finishing 10th in the NSCAA Midwest Region Poll at seasons end. Led by a stout defense, the Dukes posted a school record seven consecutive shutouts during the middle of its season. Freshman defender Aleksander Christensson was named to the NSCAA All-Midwest Region Third Team, the only freshman to land on one of the three 11-man rosters.  Sophomore Ryan Landry is the leading returning scorer after netting two goals and adding three assists to land on the A-10 All-Rookie Team.

Series History

Saint Francis is 5-7-4 all-time vs. Duquesne. The Dukes have won three of the last four meetings including a 2-1 overtime thriller last season. Freshman Renan Fuentes (Sao Paolo, Brazil/Colegio Joao XXIII) was the Saint Francis goal scorer, finding the net on his Red Flash debut.

Live Sunday: Live Stats | Live Video

Scouting Bucknell

The Bison went 7-11-3 in 2016, falling in the Patriot League Semifinals. Saint Francis is fortunate to not have to worry about Sebastiaan Blickman, Bucknell's leading scorer last year with 11 goals, as he has graduated. Sophomore Nick King played a big part in Blickman's success, leading the team with seven assists to go along with four goals. He returns in 2017 and will be a focal point of the Bison attack. Bucknell conceded 33 goals last seasons, 23 of which came after halftime.

Series History

Bucknell edges Saint Francis with a 9-7-2 series advantage. The Red Flash got the last laugh with a 3-0 win in 2016 behind three second-half goals.

Consistent as they Come

The Saint Francis men's soccer program has proven to be one of the most consistent Division I programs in the Northeast Region over the last four seasons. The group has won 47 games in that span, the most in the Northeast Region and state of Pennsylvania. Only 19 DI programs have more wins over the span. Saint Francis has won 10 or more games in four consecutive seasons and six of the last seven. The success has translated to Northeast Conference play as SFU has appeared in three straight title matches and five of the last seven title games.

Defense Wins Championships

Saint Francis's success has been predicated by its defense. The Red Flash posted 11 shutouts in 2016 and fifth-year goalkeeper Marcus Rojas (Fremont, Calif./Bellarmine College Preparatory) is the program's all-time leader with a 0.69 goals against average. Saint Francis will look to replace first team all-conference center backs Francis de Vries (Christchurch, New Zealand/Cashmere) and Jack Webber (Bernville, Pa./Tulpehocken) this season, but they have plenty of options who can fill the roles admirably. Seniors Kaelon Fox (Louisville, KY/St. Xavier (Kentucky)), Jonathon Otting (Louisville, Ky/St. Xavier (Xavier (OH) University)) and Nick Hanuscin (Cinnaminson, N.J./Bishop Eustace) all have over 30 games of experience under their belts and newcomers Eric Ganime (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil/Colegio Icaro) and Brandon Ott (Spring City, Pa./Owen J. Roberts) are also capable of leading a back line. 

Goals Goals Goals

The Red Flash have proven attacking players who can score at the collegiate level. Junior forward Mario Mastrangelo (Venetia, Pa/Peters Township) leads the way with 14 career goals through his first two seasons, including 10 as a freshman. Senior and second team all-conference selection Troye Kiernan (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair) added four goals in 2016 despite missing a portion of the season with an injury.