Men's Soccer | 5/25/2017 12:47:00 PM
Moon Township, Pa. – The Robert Morris University men's soccer team has announced its regular season schedule for the 2017 campaign, a slate that features 17 matches in total and eight at the North Athletic Complex.
This year's schedule is a balanced one, with neither a homestand nor road trip lasting for longer than two fixtures. Robert Morris will also play in Moon Township on Homecoming weekend for the first time since 2015 when it hosts Keystone State foe Bucknell.
The Colonials open the slate on Friday, Aug. 25 when they travel to Cleveland State, a team they have swapped wins and losses with over the last seven meetings. RMU then will host St. Bonaventure in its home opener on Sunday, Aug. 27 after taking the inaugural game against the Bonnies last season, 1-0.
Robert Morris returns to the road on Thursday, Aug. 31 when it plays Canisius and begins September with a home fixture against Marshall on Sunday, Sept. 3. The Colonials' match with the Thundering Herd will be only their second meeting since the 2003 season. The following weekend, RMU will take part in the Mayor's Cup hosted by Hartwick College as it plays Niagara on Friday, Sept. 8 and Fairfield on Sunday, Sept. 10.
Homecoming will feature the aforementioned fixture with Bucknell, set for a 4:00 p.m. start on Saturday, Sept. 16. The Colonials will remain in the Steel City for the remainder of the month as it travels to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Sept. 19 and welcomes Duquesne to the North Athletic Complex on Sunday, Sept. 24. RMU snapped a three-match losing streak against the Panthers last season, while the meeting with the Dukes will mark the 23rd consecutive season in which the two teams have played.
The Colonials' final non-conference test comes on Sunday, Oct. 1 when it hosts Howard. RMU will then begin Northeast Conference (NEC) play on Friday, Oct. 6 when it travels to the Nutmeg State to take on Central Connecticut.
Robert Morris' lone full home weekend begins on Friday, Oct. 13 as Bryant arrives in Moon Township. Two days later on Sunday, Oct. 15, the Colonials will square off against Fairleigh Dickinson.
RMU visits the Big Apple on Friday, Oct. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 22 as it faces St. Francis Brooklyn and LIU Brooklyn. The Colonials then return home on Sunday, Oct. 29 for Senior Day against Sacred Heart, before concluding the regular season on Sunday, Nov. 5 at Saint Francis U.
Robert Morris is slated to return 94 percent of its point output in 2017, including All-NEC Second Team selection Keane McIvor and leading goal scorer Rafael Bruzual.
