After a hot start to the season in the Men’s Division I 2017 campaign, the action slows down a bit this weekend. The top five teams are in play, but none of them seem to be in real threat of being knocked off. 

There is still one game on the radar that looks like it could be one of the best of the season though. Michigan(m) hosts Michigan State(m) on Sunday. Michigan, an underachiever the last few seasons, looks to be playing up to their potential this year. With an unbeaten record, Chaka Daley’s boys will be looking to win the battle of Michigan against the Spartans this weekend. Keep an eye on Michigan freshman midfielder Marc Ybarra who has played every minute this season through the first six games. Michigan State has been as good, if not better, this season. The Spartans are 6-0 and rolling into this game with only one goal conceded. 

Games to Watch

NJIT(m) (5-1-1) vs. Fairleigh Dickinson(m) (5-0), Saturday, Sept. 16, 3:00 p.m (ET) 

This is a big game for both teams as it’s the best game left on the schedule for either team. Surprisingly enough, Fairleigh Dickinson is actually No. 1 in the RPI heading into this weekend’s games, but probably can’t stay there thanks to a weak conference slate. A road win over NJIT would help keep the squad in the mix among the top 16 teams though. NJIT forward Madou Guirassy leads Division I in scoring with eight goals this season.  

North Carolina(m) (4-1) vs. Duke(m) (4-0-1), Saturday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m. (ET)

Whenever Duke and North Carolina square off, there is usually something to watch. Both teams have talented prospects for the next level and Duke is having one of its best seasons in recent memory. 

Syracuse(m) (4-0-2) vs. Louisville(m) (3-1-1), Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. (ET)

It’s another big ACC clash this weekend with Louisville heading to New York to take on the Orange. Ian McIntyre’s side is incredibly difficult to beat, and the home field has been a fortress for the side of the last few seasons. 

Stat of the Week 

Bowling Green(m) broke a program record last week. The Falcons started the season with five shutouts for the first time in the 53-year history of the program. Prior to a 0-1 loss to Michigan State on Wednesday, Bowling Green was the only team in men’s Division that had not conceded a goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Anthony Mwembia has played every minute in goal this season for Bowling Green. 

Goal of the Week 

😮👀👀 UNBELIEVABLE! Carlos Sanchis drills the game winner in OT to give @joeyworthen his first win as head coach! #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/J882FrEYTl

— FAU Mens Soccer (@FauMensSoccer) September 10, 2017