Men's Weekend Preview: 5 Games to Watch

by Tom Hindle

September 15, 2022

There was a real calm to Levonte Johnson’s finish. The Syracuse striker crept to the back post, side footing a volley past the Niagara goalkeeper. His strike served as something of a microcosm of a side that has looked relatively steady so far — going undefeated while beating two top 25 teams. It’s early, but head coach Ian McIntyre has pieced together a team that is difficult to beat.

That will be put to the test Friday, as the Orange travel to Clemson for their second ACC game. Though the undefeated Tigers are undoubtedly favorites, there’s a real danger for the nation’s top ranked team.

It’s not the only interesting match to watch this week. There are compelling games across the country in week five of the men’s soccer season, featuring ranked clashes, old rivalries and potential upsets. Here are five games to keep an eye on.

Thursday, September 15

UCLA at Stanford, 9 p.m. (Pac 12 Network)

UCLA followed a promising start with a rough week, dropping back-to-back games. A solid defense was made to look shaky, as the Bruins conceded five goals while allowing a combined 26 shots. This appears to be a bad time to face a Stanford team that has ouscored its opponents 12-2 across its first five games. The Cardinal head into Thursday's game on the back of a solid tie against a tricky Creighton side. Stanford seems to be the favorite, but the Bruins might post a big performance to rebound from a disappointing week. Either way, it’s a game with a lot on the line.

Friday, September 16

Clemson at Syracuse, 7 p.m. (ACC Network)

Syracuse surprised with some of its early season results, knocking off both Notre Dame and Penn State while also navigating the rest of its nonconference contests. But are the Orange true ACC contenders, or simply enjoying a good run? That will be answered in earnest Friday as they travel to top ranked Clemson. The Tigers have already beaten some of the best teams in the country — and looked comfortable doing so. Ousmane Sylla has been one of the best players in the country so far, scoring or assisting in every game.

Marshall at Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

A 1-0 loss against Butler now feels like an outlier for Marshall. Since that result back on August 29, the Thundering Herd have outscored opponents, 12-3, while knocking off Pitt at home. Now, they'll have to do it on the road against a Kentucky side that has steadily picked up results. The Wildcats are yet to lose and are coming off a strong week in which they beat Louisville and tied 10-man Tulsa. These teams played out a drab 0-0 last time out, but with a little more attacking intent in both sides, Friday’s game could be more entertaining.

Portland at Denver, 9 p.m. (Pioneers All Access)

Portland tied Indiana and beat UCLA. Denver toed Georgetown and beat Maryland. Here are two teams that have caused problems against some of the nations’ best. It certainly seems like Portland comes into Friday’s contest in better form, fresh off a win against the Bruins. For Denver, things look a bit rockier. A 2-1 loss at San Diego State is hardly a bad result, but first defeats aren’t too easy to rebound from. There’s some real talent in this matchup, too. Sam Bassett has scored four and assisted two for the Pioneers, while Brandon Cambridge scored three goals last week, including two game winners.

Monday, September 17

Pitt(m) at Akron 7 p.m. (ACC Network Xtra)

A Pitt team fresh off its first conference win. An Akron team that just fought for a 3-3 tie. It’s an intriguing matchup, especially when you factor in the fact that Pitt will enter Monday’s matchup off short rest. The Panthers have been steady so far, controlling games and only allowing two goals all season. Akron’s performances have been a little more erratic — and its five goals conceded last week could be cause for concern. Still, this is a team that can score, especially when Jason Shokalook is on the field. Pitt has only dropped one home game in the last two years and Akron might jeopardize that record.