Oswego State men’s soccer returns home on Saturday after a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory at Hamilton at mid-week. The Lakers have their eyes on an above .500 record for the first time this season with a win over the Utica Pioneers (1-3) at Laker Turf Stadium tonight. 

The Lakers have momentum heading into their fourth home tilt of the season after Wednesday’s victory over the Continentals. The game was scoreless following regulation and the first overtime period, but freshman Bernard Osei put a cross from junior Harrison Reiber into the goal to give the Lakers their first road win of the season. Laker’s junior goalkeeper Jon Runge made a key save on a penalty attempt near the end of regulation to keep the game scoreless.

The Pioneers, coming off their first win of the season against SUNY Poly, are making their first trip to Laker Turf Stadium and look to extend their current winning streak.

The Lakers will look to even out their record at the Laker Turf Stadium at 2-2 after losing their last home game in the Championship of the Oswego State tournament. They will look to make the most out of their scoring opportunities, something they have struggled with mightily.

Last season, the Lakers only scored more than one goal in a game twice, and each time only scored two goals. A positive note from the early campaign so far is that they already have put together a three-goal effort against SUNY Canton.

The key part of the Lakers’ scoring threats will come from Osei and the contingent of midfielders made up of Conor Lunduski and Mitch Brickman. Lunduski was a breakout player for the Lakers his freshman season as he looks to excel even more in year two. Brickman is one of the more vocal leaders of the team, always encouraging his teammates whether it be on the pitch or in the huddle after games.

The Lakers will also look to be over .500 after five games in the season for the first time since 2011 when they started their campaign 4-1. The only point they were over an even record last season was after their first game, which resulted in a victory.

Head coach Bob Friske has stated that the team needs time to get together due to all of the new faces on the squad, but it will need to right its act in front of goal if it is looking to become a major threat once conference play begins on Sept. 25. 

Kickoff for tonight’s match is set for 7 p.m.