WASHINGTON - After earning back-to-back victories in Patriot League play, the American University men's soccer team is back at Reeves Field for a non-conference matchup against UNCW on Tuesday afternoon. 

Game Information

When: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 3 p.m vs. UNCW
Where: Washington, D.C. (Reeves Field)
How to watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE

Series History

• AU is 0-2-1 against UNCW, most recently falling to the Seahawks 1-0 on Aug. 24, 2024 in Wilmington. Redshirt sophomore Ryan Lee scored the game-winning goal for the Seahawks. 

What to Know About American

• The Eagles are riding momentum from their first two wins of the season, taking home three points in consecutive Patriot League matches after going winless prior. 
• AU defeated Colgate 1-0 on Sept. 13 behind a screaming, highlight-reel strike from Sebastian Garces that put the home side in front just 22 seconds into the second half. The Eagles defended well to hold the lead, allowing just one shot on goal in the second 45.
• Last Friday against Loyola Maryland, a brilliant connection between Taku Takahashi and Troy Elgersma off a free kick produced the game-winning goal in the 43rd minute. 
• The graduate defender carved a gorgeous cross into the box that found the right foot of Elgersma, who played the ball with impeccable touch into the bottom right corner of the net. 
• Improved discipline on the defensive end has been a positive point of AU's recent run of form, as the team has gone without a yellow card in the two recent victories. 
• The American back line has also done well to limit scoring opportunities for opponents, allowing just four shots on goal across the pair of matches. Before the Colgate game, AU had given up nearly six shots on goal per match on average. 
• Matthew Tibbetts has been reliable in goal for the Eagles, most recently coming up with three crucial saves against Loyola and holding a .759 save percentage, fifth in the PL. 
• Elgersma leads the team in goals with three, which is tied for second in the conference. The senior captain has totaled 10 shots this season, putting five on goal. 
• Takahashi and Moad Ezzahir have two assists apiece to lead AU, with both of Takahashi's helpers being delivered to Elgersma. The sophomore Ezzahir has shown productive growth this season, playing in six matches so far after making just one appearance in 2024. 

What to Know About UNCW

• The Seahawks are coming off a 4-2 win over Charleston at home to move to 2-1 in CAA play. The back-and-forth affair saw UNCW score three unanswered goals to erase a 2-1 deficit. Bryan Miralrio, Gavin Carmichael, Osei Gyamfi, and Jake Shannon were the goal scorers. 
• Gyamfi has been in quality form for the Seahawks, becoming their first player to score in three straight games since 2022. He leads the team in goals with three, along with two assists. 
• UNCW put in an impressive performance against #1 Wake Forest just last week, scoring three goals and earning a draw against the country's top team. 
• The Seahawks came from down 3-1 to level the score, with the equalizer coming via a penalty kick from Christian Acevedo with just 43 seconds left in the match.
• UNCW has proven to be a high-octane attacking team, averaging over two goals per game with 14 on the season and nine different goal scorers. 
• In goal, Trey Smiley has started all but one match for the Seahawks. The Redshirt sophomore has 23 saves, posting a 1.50 GAA.
• The Seahawks have played just two road matches this season, tying in both of them. 

Keep up With Us

• For the latest on American University men's soccer and to receive in-game upudates, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on X (@AU_MSoccer) and Instagram (@au.msoccer). 

Parking on Campus

• As of August 25, parking on campus is being actively monitored seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• We are offering a special Fall Season Parking Pass exclusively for AU Athletics fans and supporters. For just $50, this pass will provide convenient access to campus parking from the date of purchase through November 23. The pass is only valid for home field hockey, volleyball, men's and women's soccer home games.
• Click HERE to purchase your Fall Season Parking Pass.
• If you prefer not to purchase the season pass, parking is still available on a per-event basis.
  • Event Parking: $10 per contest for games held after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends (available through the ParkMobile app in any garage using code (211950).
  • Hourly Parking: Standard hourly garage rates apply from 8 am-10 pm in the Katzen Arts Center and School of International Service garages.
• Find a detailed campus map here.

How to Get to Reeves Field

• Due to ongoing construction of the adjacent Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, entrance to Reeves Field for early-season home soccer contests will be at the south stairwell. 
• From campus parking locations, please use the pedestrian walkway alongside the Media Production Center and enter by the President Kennedy speech marker and flagpole plaza.