The American International College men's soccer team will host Franklin Pierce University in a crucial Northeast-10 Conference matchup on Wednesday, October 25, in AIC's regular-season home finale.

THE BUZZ:
American International College Yellow Jackets (5-8-1, 4-6-1 NE10) vs. Franklin Pierce University (6-5-2, 4-5-2 NE10)
When: Wednesday, October 25 - 7 p.m.
Where: Ronald J. Abdow Field
Live stats
Video

STATS LEADERS:
AIC:
Goals:Jake Durham(7),Steven Hernandez, Jovanni GarciaandJ.P. Rylah(5)
Assists:J.P. Rylah(6), Connor Hicks(3),Steven Hernandez andJosip Validzic tied with (2)
Points:J.P. Rylah(16),Jake Durham(15),Steven Hernandez(12)
Goalkeeping:Ioannis Iatroudis(8 GP, 6 GS, 3-5-0, .711 save percentage, 1.81 goals-against average, 1 shutout);Nicholas Romei(8 GP, 8 GS, 2-3-1, .625 save percentage, 1.71 goals-against average, 1 shutout)

Franklin Pierce:
Goals: Yannik Felber (4), Oran Ben Zion, Hamish Cadigan and Noam Kolakofsky tied with (3)
Assists: Noam Kolakofsky (5), Hamish Cadigan (3), Niklas Laudahn (2)
Points: Noam Kolakofsky (11), Hamish Cadigan (9), Yannik Felber (8)
Goalkeeping: Jadel Poon-Lewis (13 GP, 13 GS, 6-5-2, .781 save percentage, 1.03 goals-against average, four shutouts)


LAST TIME OUT:

• AIC dropped a tight 2-1 contest to Bentley University on Saturday, October 21.
• The Falcons got out to a 2-0 lead, but sophomore forward Jovanni Garcia notched his fifth goal of the year in the 70^th minute to cut the score in half.
• A late save on a shot from freshman midfielder Connor Hicks helped the Falcons stave off the comeback.
• Franklin Pierce fell in a 2-0 contest to No. 14 Adelphi. Goalkeeper Jadel Poon-Lewis made six saves in the contest.

LAST TIME THEY MET:

• AIC had one of its most exciting wins of the season against Franklin Pierce on September 21, 2016, downing the Ravens on their field in double overtime.
• Jake Durham notched the game winner with just 30 seconds left in the extra frame to give the Yellow Jackets a 2-1 win.

SCOUTING THE RAVENS:

• Franklin Pierce began the year undefeated in its first six games, but has fallen to tough competition - Southern New Hampshire, Merrimack and Adelphi - in its past three games.
• The Ravens are one of the most disciplined teams in the league, with just 10 yellow cards on the year, the lowest total in the NE10.

BUZZWORTHY:

• This game was originally scheduled to be played on Tuesday, October 24, but was postponed due to the threat of thunderstorms.
• This contest has major playoff implications for both the Yellow Jackets and Ravens. With two games left to play, Franklin Pierce sits tied for seventh place in the NE10 with 14 points, while AIC is a close ninth with 13 points. The top eight teams qualify for the NE10 Tournament.

COACH'S CORNER:

• AIC will recognize its five graduating seniors prior to the game Wednesday: Kelvin Brito, Andrae Campbell, Kevin Diaz, Francisco Fernandes and Sam Jepson. AIC men's soccer coach Luke Perry took the time to acknowledge their contributions to the program.
• "Kelvin Brito has been a very loyal member of the program for the past five years whilst he completes his doctorate of physical therapy. He is a very popular member of the squad, often DJ-ing the van rides, and considers himself a joker on and off the field, always trying to banter the coaching staff."
• "Andrae Campbell returned to AIC after transferring to Dowling. He has really matured in his approach and character over the years and leaves the college as a respectful young man. Since arriving back with the program, he has quickly established himself as a key member of the squad and will be remembered for his hard challenges. I'm very pleased with how quickly Andrae adapted back into our philosophy."
• "Kevin Diaz has been a very strong addition to the program for the past two years. After transferring from Dowling, he has quickly become one of the most popular members with his peers, and a well-respected member amongst staff at the college. After taking a year out of the game, Kevin came back raring to go, and has brought an added strength to our attacking force."
• "Francisco Fernandes has been one of the most professional and dedicated student-athletes the program has seen. He has been a consistent starter in the team, a strong student in the classroom and a hardworking individual, working 15-plus hours a week. His exemplary character will be truly missed."
• "Sam Jepson is one of the most relentless characters I have dealt with during my time as a coach. He has faced many challenges and always approaches them with a smile. I'm very proud of Sam and how he has handled himselfminus his Mancunian outbursts, which he has toned down contrary to popular belief. He has a fantastic left foot on him and scores some absolute 'bangers.'"
• "I would personally like to thank the seniors for everything they have done for the program over their time at the college. I hope they have enjoyed their experience and seen the progress we are striving for as a program. I wish them all the best for their future endeavors and hope to remain in touch with them throughout the next chapters of their life. Cheers, lads."

STAY CONNECTED:

• For more updates about the AIC men's soccer team, follow @AICMSOCCER on Twitter and Instagram and like AIC Men's Soccer on Facebook. For updates on all AIC Yellow Jackets teams, follow @AICAthletics on Twitter and Instagram, and like AIC Yellow Jackets on Facebook.