NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- With only four games left on the regular season schedule, the 22nd-ranked Christopher Newport men's soccer team hosts a pivotal Capital Athletic Conference matchup on Friday night, welcoming in first-place Mary Washington (10-2-0, 5-0-0). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm, as the Captains seek retribution for a 2015 playoff loss to the Eagles. 

CNU is coming off their first draw of the season, falling out of a first-place tie with Mary Washington after a 2-2 draw against St. Mary's (Md.). The Captains are now 11-2-1 overall this season with a 4-0-1 record in conference play. Live stats and video will be available for the contest, which will help kick off a busy Family Weekend of home events on campus. 

Last season, Mary Washington ended the Captains' season in a penalty kick shootout during the CAC Tournament. It marked just the fourth tie in 41 meetings with the Eagles, in a series that CNU leads 20-17-4. During the regular season, the Eagles also slipped by the Captains, 2-1, handing CNU one of only two losses the team suffered all last season. 

The Captains look to return the favor at home this season, powered by a high-octane offense that leads the league in scoring and ranks among the nation's top 20. CNU will be facing one of the league's top defenses, as Mary Washington has allowed only one goal through the first five conference games this season. 

CNU seniors Jimmy Grace and Patrick Burns connected on goals in the Captains' last outing, as Grace continues to add to a tremendous year with 21 points. He leads the league in scoring, and is followed closely by sophomore transfer Stephen Durbin, who ranks second with 19 points. Burns got into double figures for the third straight year with Tuesday's goal, and has 11 points with four goals and three assists this season. 

Defensively, the Captains' back line has been anchored by sophomore Bobby Seifert and senior Harry Nodwell in the middle, while junior Zach Douglass and senior Sammy Blosser have handled most of the duties on the outside.  The Captains boast a 1.06 goals-against average with six shutouts, while sophomore Zach Pedini has done the bulk of the work between the pipes. 

As mentioned, Mary Washington comes in strong defensively, with four shutouts over their last five games. Junior goalkeeper Matt Spencer has started all but one game this season and ranks fourth in the league with a 1.00 goals-against average. On the offensive end, a pair of seniors have paced the attack, as Riley Fisher and Jacob Burke are the only Eagles in double figures this season. Fisher has six goals to lead the way with 12 points, while Burke has added four goals and two assists for 10 points. 

Following the action Friday night, the Captains will hit the road for two CAC games before closing out the season at home against Marymount on October 26.