NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Taking on a pair of programs for the first time, Christopher Newport men's soccer will host Concordia University Texas and Widener University this weekend. The Captains are off to a 1-0-1 start and will host the Tornados of Concordia at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night before welcoming in the Pride for a 7:00 p.m. kick on Saturday night. 

The two games this weekend continue a long homestand to open the 2024 season for the Captains who will start the year with eight straight home games. Live stats and a live video webcast will be available for both games at CNUsports.com and links can be found on the men's soccer schedule or on the composite schedule online. 

Off to a great start defensively, the Captains have earned a pair of shutouts to start the year with a 3-0 win over Rosemont and a scoreless draw against Stockton. The CNU defense, led by juniors Asher Kuzemka and Matt Liss, sophomore Yazan Yaghmmour, and rookie Declan Karney, has held opponents to just five shots per game while giving up only two attempts on frame so far. Junior keeper Hayden Dewey has one solo shutout and another combined effort with Aidan O'Mahony. 

On the other end of the field, CNU has peppered their first two opponents with 30 total shots. Six different CNU players have logged at least one point already this season with Manzi Siibo, Carson Grove, and Luke Peri coming through with goals for the Captains. Barry Jones, Jason LaViola, and Colin Skwirut have added assists for the CNU attack. 

Concordia comes into the Friday night bout with an 0-0-1 overall record after a 1-1 draw against Mary Hardin-Baylor in the team's opener. Devin Hammel scored the lone goal of the season so far in the 81st minute against the Cru while goalkeeper Leo Reyes made five saves in the tie. 

Widener will first face Virginia Wesleyan on Friday before facing the Captains and heads to Virginia with a 1-0-1 overall record. The Pride earned a 1-1 draw against Moravian before defeating Penn State Abington by a final count of 2-0. Sean Fatiga has scored two goals while Jordi Lopez has added one this season for CNU. 

Following the two home games this weekend, CNU will return to action when they welcome in two more opponents next weekend as they are slated to face Rutgers-Camden and Catholic on September 14 and 15, respectively.