ANDERSON, S.C. - With the run to the top of the South Atlantic Conference standings in full swing, Anderson University men's soccer steps away from its conference schedule to host UNC Pembroke Wednesday afternoon at Trojan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
The Trojans
Anderson continued a five-match unbeaten streak, matching its
longest unbeaten streak of the season, as the Trojans began the
season 4-0-1. Most recently, AU comes off a 1-1 draw at conference
foe Lenoir-Rhyne, as redshirt sophomore defender Lars Zimmerman
notched Anderson's only goal and his second tally of the season. In
AU's last four victories, the Trojans have won by just one goal in
each contest, including a 4-3 overtime thriller at North
Georgia.
Redshirt sophomore Andre Carle continues to shine offensively with eight goals on the season. Carle, who has played in 10 of AU's 12 matches this season, currently ranks second in the SAC and 27th nationally in total goals. Freshman Aaron Roberson closely follows with five goals, while junior Mattias Schyberg and freshman Paul von Hinueber each have three. Redshirt freshman Henrique Gazzi currently ranks 10th in the nation and first in the conference with six assists.
Freshman goalkeeper Bo Haug earned his second draw of the season at Lenoir-Rhyne, making two saves. Haug is fourth in the conference with 42 saves and a .778 save percentage. The Stuttgart, Germany native carries a 1.05 goals against average in 11 matches.
The Braves
UNC Pembroke has been on an up-and-down schedule that
includes three-game winning and losing streaks. Entering
Wednesday's match, the Braves are coming off their most impressive
victory over top-ranked regional opponent, Lander, 3-0. Overall,
UNCP holds a 6-4 record with all of its losses coming against
regionally ranked opponents.
The Braves' offense has been well-rounded and spread throughout their lineup as sophomores James Casserly, Rico Laitinen and junior Sam Miles each have three goals on the year, which leads the team. Laitinen and Miles are tied for the team lead in points with eight, but Miles is lone Brave player to have 20 or more shots with 28.
In goal, senior Ryan Hanson has played in every minute for UNC Pembroke, recording 43 saves on the year. In the win over Lander, the senior posted two saves and his fifth shutouts for the year. Hanson holds a 1.00 goals against average and an .811 save percentage.
The Series
Anderson and UNC Pembroke opened each other's season last year with
the Braves earning a 1-0 victory. Hanson posted three saves against
the Trojans en route to the victory.
