At this point, the outlines of most conferences are clear. The top teams have already made their runs toward the summit, while middling teams continue to scrap. Attention turns, then, to the games that offer the most intrigue. Who can clinch a conference early? Who might pick up an unlikely nonconference win? And can a red hot team finally lose?

Some of those questions will be answered in our five games to watch in men’s college soccer this weekend.

Friday, October 21

Clemson at Louisville, 7 p.m. (ACCN Xtra)

There’s still a lot to be sorted out in the ACC Atlantic Division. Though Syracuse appears to have the top spot sewn up, everything below seems relatively open. This clash between third and fourth should clear things up. Louisville has enjoyed a good year so far, driven by a solid defense. Clemson has the opposite issue. The Tigers have real attacking quality, but can’t seem to string good defensive performances together. They will need to put on a better defensive showing if they are to host in the ACC Tournament.

Saturday, October 22

Xavier at Georgetown, 1 p.m. (BEDN)

Before the season started, did anyone see these two teams due to clash in a Big East title decider? Georgetown was heavy on talent, but after losing nearly an entire XI, looked short of experience. Xavier — which racked up six losses in conference play last season — didn’t appear to be a side ready to compete. Both teams, then, have defied expectations in different ways. And Saturday night, they’ll meet in a presumptive regular season title decider. Georgetown’s young players have grown more with every week, with freshman striker Jacob Murrell finding a real groove in recent matches. But the experience of Xavier might pose a problem. It has only conceded eight goals so far — and is yet to lose. The Hoyas have a 3 point lead atop the conference and could afford a tie. But both sides will push for a winner.

Kentucky at Indiana, 7 p.m. (BTN+)

Though these two sides might have their eyes turned to securing conference seeding spots, a clash between any top 25 teams is worth catching. Indiana has struggled with injuries so far but appears to have found some form — winning its last two contests. Kentucky, meanwhile, is spluttering, racking up four ties in a row. Although the removal of overtime this season has perhaps changed the way some teams might approach the high flying Wildcats, their inability to close out games might be cause for concern. A statement win over Indiana would certainly quell any fears.

Vermont at UMBC, 7 p.m. (TBD)

When does the devastating loss come for Vermont? Perhaps it never will arrive. The Catamounts have rolled through their schedule so far, winning 11 games in a row. The run has been built off a defense that hasn’t let up a goal since September 18. So, could UMBC be the one to throw things into jeopardy? It’s not inconceivable that it might cause some problems. The Retrievers average nearly 2.5 goals per game and pepper opponents’ goals with shots. They have a star player in Ryan Becher who can score and create — to the tune of 18 goal contributions in 14 games. With a solid supporting cast around him, UMBC has the kind of attack that will stretch Vermont. And if the Retrievers score, anything can happen.

Sunday, October 23

Stanford at UCLA, 6 p.m. (Pac 12 Network)

The Cardinal had their chance to push for the Pac 12 title back on October 6, but were handily beaten by Washington. A few weeks later, they appear to be locked in an RPI battle with UCLA. Though Stanford appears locked in for an NCAA Tournament spot, a good win over its division rivals would catapult it toward a higher seed. UCLA, meanwhile, is in desperate need of a signature win. These two sides already played to a 0-0 tie in September — a contest that was high on intrigue but lacking in chances. With a more concrete picture of the season, this match figures to be more open.

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