FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Christopher Newport men's soccer team returns to action for the team's final road regular season game of the 2018 season on Saturday, taking on nationally-ranked Mary Washington at 3:30 pm. The Captains (6-7-0, 2-3-0) will look to end a seven-game unbeaten streak at home for the Eagles (10-1-3, 3-1-1) in the weekend Capital Athletic Conference matchup. 

Christopher Newport has dropped three of their last four games in conference play, all by one goal and twice in the final two minutes of regulation. Mary Washington opened the season unbeaten through their first 11 games and moved into the top ten nationally. A 2-1 loss to Salisbury ended that streak, but the Eagles have responded with a 1-1 draw at Randolph-Macon and 5-0 win against Penn State Harrisburg in their last home game. 

In one of the oldest series in all-time history for CNU men's soccer, the Captains hold a 23-18-4 edge. CNU has only faced three teams more often than the Eagles since the inception of the program in 1974. Since joining the CAC, the Captains are 5-3-1 against Mary Washington. 

For fans who can not attend the game live, a video webcast and live stats will be available courtesy of the UMW athletics department. Links can be found on the men's soccer schedule at CNUsports.com. 

This season, the CNU defense has held opponents to just 13 goals scored in 13 games for a 0.98 goals-against average. Senior Zach Pedini has started every game and has played all but 38 minutes in net for the Captains, making 32 saves on 90 shots faced. The back line is led by senior Bobby Seifert, junior Derek Cook, and sophomores Davis Pillow and Daniel Hulett. The defense has held opponents to just 7.0 shots per game this season. 

Mary Washington has featured one of the nation's most elite defenses, holding opponents to just seven goals in 14 games played. The Eagles have a 0.47 goals-against average, with sophomore Ken Kurtz playing all but 41 minutes in goal for UMW. Kurtz has stopped 87.9% of shots on-goal this season and has 51 saves. Offensively, senior midfielder Justin Carey leads the way with 15 points on six goals and three assists. Junior Idrissa Barrie has added 13 points with five goals and three helpers. 

The Eagles are ranked 17th in the D3soccer.com top 25 and 19th by the United Soccer Coaches. They will be playing in their final home regular season game of the year after opening the year 5-0-2 at home. 

After taking on Mary Washington on Saturday, the Captains will close the 2018 regular season slate at home on Wednesday, October 24, hosting St. Mary's College (Md.). The Seahawks and Captains will kick off at 7:00 pm.