CHICAGO, Ill. -- The 16th-ranked Christopher Newport men's soccer team traveled to Chicago this weekend for a stiff test on the schedule as the Captains (2-0-2) take on a pair of programs who have made deep runs in recent NCAA Tournament play. First, CNU will face No. 15 Chicago (3-0-1) on Friday night at 7:00 pm (8:00 pm EST) before taking on North Park (4-1-0) this Sunday at 1:00 pm (2:00 pm EST). 

In 2018, the University of Chicago advanced to the NCAA National Semifinals and then followed up with another win in the 2019 version of the tournament. In the 2019 bracket, North Park advanced to the Round of 16 before falling to Final Four participant Calvin. 

Christopher Newport counters with plenty of playoff experience of their own with nine NCAA showings in the last 14 seasons. Luther College, ranked No. 20 in this week's United Soccer Coaches National Rankings, will also travel to the Windy City to take on the two powers, facing North Park first and Chicago on Sunday. 

Live stats and live video wil be available for both games with links found on CNUsports.com.

The Captains are riding an 11-match unbeaten streak with a 2-0-2 start to the 2021 campaign. CNU has picked up wins over Covenant College and Methodist University with draws against Gettysburg and Lynchburg. CNU has scored eight goals with seven different goal scorers in the early portion of the schedule. Chris Schram is the lone player who has notched two goals so far, leading the Captains with four points, while Kobe Smith and Jason LaViola have each scored a goal and added an assist for three points this season. 

Defensively, seniors Davis Pillow, Daniel Hulett, Jonathon Leiding, and Jacob Dudley have led a back line that has allowed just two goals so far this season. In goal, senior Cole Irvin has started all four games and boasts a 0.52 GAA. 

The University of Chicago is 3-0-1 and is coming off a 1-1 draw at St. Olaf. Three different Chicago players have scored winners including the team's leading scorer, Ben Brandt with two goals. North Park is 4-1-0 with their lone loss coming to Washington University in St. Louis. Showcasing a potent offense, North Park has already scored 20 goals this season, led by Jesse Anamoo's five goals and one assist. Peder Olsen has added four goals and three assists. 

Following this weekend's trip to Illinois, the Captains will return to Virginia to face Washington & Lee on the road September 24.