BIG SOUTH PLAY BEGINS AT CUPP SATURDAY FOR MEN'S SOCCER

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Radford (3-2-2) plays host to Presbyterian (1-5-0) at Cupp Stadium on Saturday evening in the Big South opener for both teams. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. as the Highlanders try to extend the league's longest unbeaten streak, which currently stands at five games. RU is 3-0-2 in its last handful of games and boasts the Big South's stingiest defense.

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"Our non-conference schedule has been very challenging, and I believe the group has improved a great deal since our first weekend of play and over the course of seven games so far," Radford head coach Marc Reeves said. "Obviously, conference games become all about results and trying to get a maximum three points every game."

The Highlanders are coming off a 1-0 overtime victory at Appalachian State on Wednesday. All three of RU's wins this season are by a 1-0 score. The Blue Hose have dropped four straight games after defeating Wofford in their second game of the season. PC has been shut out in all five of its losses on the season.

Radford leads the all-time series, 4-2-0, and has won two straight in its history. PC won the 2011 matchup in Clinton, S.C., 2-1. The game will be broadcast live on the Big South Network.

"I believe the league is very strong with several high level teams, and as occurs in our sport all the time, any team is capable of upsetting a so-called high level opponent on any day," Reeves said. "The final table is always a matter of a few points determining where you end up. We are picked to finish sixth and will see how it unfolds."

SCOUTING THE BLUE HOSE
Presbyterian has struggled scoring goals with just two on the season, but does average in double figures for shots per game (10.7) and holds a .359 shot on goal percentage. Matthew McManis has scored both goals on the season for the Blue Hose with both coming on penalty kick attempts.

"Our job is to respect and prepare in the same focused approach no matter who or where we play," Reeves said. "PC will be ready to play, and we have to ensure we have a good performance."

THE HIGHLANDERS
Radford is led by its league-leading defense. Aitor Pouseu Blanco leads the Big South in goals against average (0.80), save percentage (.769), and shutouts (3). Radford has three game-winning goals from three different players, Kieran Roberts, Stephen Hudgens, and Jamie Summers.

"We truly appreciate the home crowd and hope to get another boost as we go for three points Saturday night," Reeves said.

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