The Quinnipiac Bobcats (2-4, 0-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) will play host to the NJIT Highlanders (4-1-1, 0-0 Atlantic Sun) this Sunday at 12 p.m. in Hamden. The Bobcats snapped a three-game losing streak this Thursday with a 4-3 overtime win against UMass Lowell, but are still looking for their first home win of 2018. The Highlanders enter Hamden looking to extend their four-game winning streak. This is the Bobcats last game before they begin conference play in the MAAC.
Players to Watch:
Quinnipiac: Lauren Triglione
Triglione, a sophomore midfielder, has been on fire for the Bobcats as of late with three goals and an assist. She currently leads the team in goals (3) and points (7) and is second in assists (1) and shots (7). Triglione was responsible for breaking Quinnipiac’s scoreless streak of 315 minutes to open the scoring against UMass Lowell on Thursday, and if she can keep producing at such a high level, she will certainly become a problem for opponents and a huge weapon for the Bobcats.
NJIT: Fiona Wright
Wright, a freshman midfielder, is enjoying a fantastic start to her career as she currently leads her team in goals (3), points (6), and shots (19). Watch for her to be in the middle of a very strong scoring attack for the Highlanders.
Keys to the Game:
Quinnipiac: Score first
In their only two wins of the 2018 season, Quinnipiac has scored the first goal. Conversely, in the Bobcats four losses of the season, they were scored on first. So, it seems pretty simple that a quality start for the Bobcats is crucial to finishing out their non-conference schedule with a win. An early goal paired with home-field advantage might be just enough momentum to stop the high-powered Highlanders offense.
NJIT: Keep Shooting
This may sound very obvious, but it has produced great results for the Highlanders this season. Through 6 games they’re outshooting their opponents 102-53 and outscoring them 8-2. It also helps that this Quinnipiac team is also being outshot by opponents by nearly the same margin. If the Bobcats continue to give up lots of shots and the Highlanders can take advantage, it could result in early disaster for Quinnipiac. Quinnipiac has had a tough time coming from behind in games this year so early pressure from NJIT could put this game away.
Make sure to tune in to QBSN’s live broadcast of Quinnipiac vs. NJIT from the Quinnipiac Soccer and Lacrosse field in Hamden, Connecticut. Ryan Flaherty will be on the call of the game. For live updates throughout the game, make sure to follow @QBSN on twitter.
