On Sunday the Lions will play unranked Boston University at 2:30, also on Jeffrey Field. Boston has won three of its first four games, and has not struggled to put the ball in the net, scoring seven times already.
For the second year in a row, the Lions tear into the fast Jeffrey turf against a ranked team following a non-exceptional start to their season.
Having dropped three of their first four contests -- all on the road -- including losses to No. 11 Wake Forest and No. 3 North Carolina, the team can't help but draw comparisons to last year's squad.
Before winning the Big Ten Championship in 2005, the Lions were winless in their first four games entering their home opener. If the season continues to resemble last year's, expect a turnaround this weekend with the home field advantage.
"We've had some tough road games," junior goalkeeper Conrad Taylor said. "The whole atmosphere when you're traveling, it feels like you're automatically at a disadvantage."
The Lions offense has sputtered so far, scoring only twice with both goals coming in their only win against Hartwick. However, returning home should help ignite the scoreboard.
Head Coach Barry Gorman has said he isn't concerned, noting that his team has consistently outshot its opponents.
"Guys are banged up. If you don't have experience, you're putting in newcomers who don't know what to expect," Gorman said.
Despite the bumpy beginning, there's plenty of optimism in the locker room.
"It's coming together for sure," Taylor said. "We've been working really well. The last couple weeks of practice have been the best in my three years."
In an offense built for speed, the short, fast grass and open turf at Jeffrey Field adds a dimension to the aspect of home field advantage.
"There's no field to play on like Jeffrey," sophomore Jason Yeisley said. "A lot of teams are just sitting in the middle on us. We need to take the ball to the outside. We're gonna try to switch it up, something teams wont be expecting."
Because the opportunities to score are there, the Lions will need to make the most of their scoring chances, rather than just taking more shots.
"We're not looking to do anything differently," Yeisley said. "Just what we're doing in practice. We need to score some goals."
Gorman is eager to have all his key players settled into their positions, and hoping this is the weekend whenever everything comes together.
"These are two quality teams coming in," Gorman said. "We're trying to settle on a firm starting lineup. That's the big thing this weekend and we're pretty much on target for that."
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