Joseph Craven

Junior keeper Joel Sundell and the Raiders are poised to defend their unbeaten record this week.

Men's Soccer 9/17/2018 11:44:00 AM AJ Schraffenberger

@WSU_Mens_Soccer Looks to Build on Unbeaten Record This Week

The Wright State men's soccer team will return to the pitch this week after 10 days off, when they begin a three-match homestand. The Raiders (4-0-1) will return to Alumni Field for the first time since August 24 on Tuesday, when the Eastern Illinois Panthers (2-2-2) come to town for a 7:00 pm kick-off. Horizon League play will continue for the Raiders on Saturday, when Cleveland State (0-4-1) comes to campus for a 2:00 pm matchup. The Raiders entered the Top Drawer Soccer Top 25 rankings on Monday, taking the #25 spot.

Raider Round-Up
Under first year head coach Jake Slemker, the Raiders are off to their best start as a program since 1996. A common reoccurring theme with the Raiders this season is resiliency, and this has been on display in the two matches they have played thus far in September. Following an up-and-down victory against Cincinnati on Labor Day September 3, the Raiders opened conference play five days later against Northern Kentucky. Adversity came early in the form of a 10^th minute goal by the Norse, but the Raiders never surrendered. Stefan Rokvic scored on a penalty kick in the 87^th minute to tie the match, and Deri Corfe netted a goal in double overtime to give Wright State the dramatic victory. Coach Slemker has instilled a good balance of offense and defense in his young team, averaging a similar number of shots (14) and shots allowed (10.4) per match. A big key to the Raiders success has been keeping opposing shots coming from outside of the dangerous areas, and this focus has led to a small number of opposing shots being on goal (22). On attack, the green and gold are led by the duo of Rokvic and Alec Philippe. Philippe has netted three goals, while Rokvic leads the squad with four tallies. In net, junior Joel Sundell has recorded 15 saves, owns a .682 save percentage and a 1.30 goals against average.

Scouting Eastern Illinois
The Panthers will head to Alumni Field after taking the weekend off following a 0-0 draw last Wednesday against IUPUI. Eastern Illinois has also posted a win against Cincinnati this season, a 2-0 victory to begin their 2018 campaign. The Panthers are 0-2 against Horizon League opponents, including a 1-0 loss at home against Green Bay. Christian Sosnowski leads the offensive charge for the Panthers, leading the club with two of their five goals. Shady Omar has taken 13 shots in six matches, including one goal on the season. In net, Jonathan Burke has started all six matches, making 21 saves and posting an impressive .840 save percentage and .62 goals against average.

Scouting Cleveland State
Before heading to Wright State on Saturday, the Vikings will play host to Bowling Green on Tuesday, still looking for their first victory of the season. Cleveland State did earn a point in conference Saturday afternoon in its second Horizon League match when they traveled to Milwaukee, and earned a 1-1 draw. The Vikings have struggled on offense thus far in the season, managing just two goals in their first five matches.

Series
The Raiders hold a 7-5-1 advantage over Eastern Illinois, and trail Cleveland State 15-19-1 in the all-time series.

Coverage
Wright State fans are encouraged to pack Alumni Field to support their nationally-ranked Raiders on Tuesday and Saturday! Tuesday's match will be carried live on ESPN+, while Saturday's match will be carried by ESPN3. Live stats will be available through the link on the Raiders schedule.

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Players Mentioned

#13 Alec Philippe: F; 6' 1"; Junior

#9 Stefan Rokvic: M; 6' 1"; Junior

#29 Joel Sundell: GK; 6' 3"; Junior

#11 Deri Corfe: M; 6' 0"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#13 Alec Philippe
: 6' 1"; Junior
: F

#9 Stefan Rokvic
: 6' 1"; Junior
: M

#29 Joel Sundell
: 6' 3"; Junior
: GK

#11 Deri Corfe
: 6' 0"; Junior
: M