NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The nationally-ranked Christopher Newport men's soccer team will host the Capital Athletic Conference opener on Saturday evening, as part of a doubleheader with the women's program against York College of Pennsylvania. The Captains (6-2-0) will face the Spartans (3-4-1) at approximately 7:00 pm, with live stats and a live video webcast available at CNUsports.com/live. 

Christopher Newport is looking to bounce back after falling in consecutive contests for the first time since the 2013 season, despite four goals scored in the two games. The powerful Captains offense has been clicking on all cylinders since opening night this season, scoring multiple goals in seven of eight games this year.

The Spartans are winless over their last four contests, facing a rigorous test with six of seven games away from home, including Saturday night's matchup. CNU and York have a history of playing tight games against eachother, including five draws in 15 all-time meetings. The all-time series leans slightly in favor of York, with a 6-4-5 record against CNU. 

This season, the Captains catapulted into the nation's top ten after a torrid start to the season offensively. Still ranked No. 9 in the nation and No. 2 in the South Atlantic region, Christopher Newport features a top five offense nationally, ranking fourth in total goals and points scored. 

Leading the attack, senior midfielder Jimmy Grace and sophomore forward Stephen Durbin each have 12 points. In six victories, six different Captains have registered the game-winning goal, and in total, 11 different CNU players have found the back of the net this season. 

York has gotten three goals and five assists from scoring leader Matt Freibaum, while Nathan Bilbie and Ryan Ockford have each chipped in four goals apiece. Charlie Johnson has started all eight goals in game for the Spartans, making 30 saves with a 1.61 goals-against average. 

Following the Saturday league opener, the Captains will return to non-conference action on Wednesday, September 28 against Randolph College. After the final non-conference matchup of the season, CNU will hit the road for three straight league games against Wesley (Oct 1), Southern Virginia (Oct 5), and Frostburg State (Oct 8).