NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Following a 4-1 setback to No. 2 Messiah, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team stayed in the United Soccer Coaches National Rankings this week, at No. 24 in the country. The Captains (7-2-0) will look to bounce back with another formidable opponent on the schedule Wednesday as CNU hosts Virginia Wesleyan University (7-2-2) at 6:00 p.m.

The next chapter in one of the longest standing rivalries for Christopher Newport comes Wednesday night as the Captains and Marlins tangle for the 44th time since 1974. The Captains have held the edge in the series of late, winning five straight and seven of eight against the Marlins, but the cross-water rivals lead the all-time series, 24-16-3. 

This season, the Captains have won five of the last six and have been a dominant defensive team that has allowed just three goals outside of the matchup against Messiah. Virginia Wesleyan is also coming off a loss to a nationally-ranked opponent with a 2-1 setback to No. 25 Lynchburg on Saturday, ending a six-match unbeaten streak for the Marlins. 

Christopher Newport will provide live stats and a live video webcast at CNUsports.com for fans unable to attend in person. Admission is free of charge at Captains Field and the gates open one hour before game time, at 5:00 p.m. 

The Marlins are averaging 1.91 goals per game so far this season and are led by Juan Tovar with 10 points on four goals and two assists. He has a pair of winners for the Marlins while leading the team in total shots with 26. Nate Mitchell has added nine points, also with four goals, while five other Virginia Wesleyan players have scored game-winning goals this season. In goal, Griffin Potter has surrendered nine goals and made 50 saves this season with a 0.82 goals-against average. 

Christopher Newport has been led by senior goalkeeper Ethan Larson, who has given up just seven goals through nine starts this season. He owns a 0.86 goals-against average with 28 saves and an .800 save percentage. The defense in front of him has given up just seven goals total this season while holding opponents to fewer than nine shots per game. 

Offensively, the Captains' depth has been on display with eleven different goal scorers through the first nine games. Senior Brendan Todd has a team-high seven points on three goals and one assist, while senior Elton Quintanilla has added six points on two goals and two helpers. 

Following Wednesday night's matchup, the Captains will entertain nationally-ranked Washington and Lee on Saturday, October 8 on Senior Night.