Men's Weekend Preview: 5 Games to Watch
As some conferences hit their final week, numerous regular season titles are on the line. The Big Ten, ACC and AAC could all be decided this week. But there are other storylines elsewhere, with big midseason matchups on the docket. Here's a look at five big games to watch this week.
Friday, October 28
New Hampshire at Vermont, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
New Hampshire has quietly pieced together an excellent America East regular season, steadily picking up wins while welcoming some of its top players back from injury. Vermont appeared to be enjoying a similarly strong slate until it was upset at UMBC last week. That now means the Catamounts will have to beat their main league rivals at home to likely clinch at least a share of the league title. These have been close matchups in the past, with the Catamounts averaging less than a goal per game. They will certainly need to find the back of the net Friday night — or see their league title hopes likely fall away.
Saturday, October 29
Portland at San Diego, 10 p.m. (WCC Network)
San Diego was inconsistent in its nonconference slate but has started WCC play well, trailing league leaders Portland by just two points in the early stages. Its contest against the Pilots Saturday night should serve as a real test. Home field advantage has been big for the Tritons so far, as they’re undefeated across five home contests. They’ll need to stop a dynamic Portland attack to come away with a draw. The Pilots possess a wealth of attacking talent, headlined by the resurgent Brandon Cambridge. Keeping him quiet would go a long way to securing a home win.
Sunday, October 30
Maryland at Indiana, 1 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
For Maryland, the stakes are simple. Win Sunday afternoon and it will clinch its first Big Ten regular season title since 2016. That might be a big ask for a team that hasn’t won at Indiana for almost 10 years — and the Hoosiers would love to play spoiler against their biggest conference rivals. Indiana isn't enjoying the best run of form. It has gone winless in back-to-back games, handily beaten by Kentucky before settling for a tie against Evansville. But a clash with Maryland is always cause for a top performance.
Washington at Stanford, 7 p.m. (Pac 12 Network)
Had Washington done the expected and beaten Oregon State last week, this game wouldn’t be quite as tense. Granted, the Huskies would still want to win, but a point would have likely been enough to secure them a conference championship. Now, though, it will be interesting. Only one point separates the two teams headed into Friday’s contest. And Stanford might fancy its chances at home, especially given that it has yet to lose in the Bay Area. It will have to go for all three points Sunday evening.
Wednesday, November 2
Was it always likely to be like this? Though the AAC welcomed extra teams into the fold this season, the two theoretically best teams will meet with the regular season title on the line Wednesday evening. The Mustangs have the upper hand as things stand, nursing a three point lead atop the league. Add to that the fact that they have a kinder matchup Saturday evening, and everything seems geared toward SMU closing out the campaign as winners. But Tulsa has been in good form recently, with star striker Alex Meinhard providing goals and assists aplenty to mount a late season title challenge. It all makes for a massive game, with the two best teams fighting for the top honor.
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