The CSUN men’s soccer team will play its first home game of the season Friday, Sept. 15, after starting on the road with a five-game road trip, including one scrimmage game.

The Matadors will not have an easy time at home. They begin their three-game homestand starting with No. 8 San Franciso on Friday and follow with a game against No. 6 Santa Clara on Sunday.

CSUN will end its homestand with a game against the UC Riverside Highlanders on Wednesday, Sept. 20. The game will mark the beginning of conference play for the Matadors.

San Franciso has yet to lose a game this season and stand with a record of 4-0-1. They are 3-0 on the road, something the Matadors will not be looking forward to.

The Dons have allowed only one goal this season.

San Francisco has spread out its offensive attack with all of its goals being scored by different players. Forward Aaron Chandler leads the Dons with 12 shots attempted.

The Matadors will need to establish their defense early as San Francisco has scored five goals on 18 shot attempts in the first half. The Dons have scored only three goals on 34 attempts in the second half.

The Santa Clara Broncos bring a similar record as the Dons. The Broncos have a road record of 1-0.

The Broncos’ offense has been carried by midfielders Peter Lowry and Jeff Cosgriff, both scoring three goals on the season.

Santa Clara brings a more consistent game, scoring six goals in each half for the season.

The Broncos’ goalkeeping has been challenged few times as they have recorded only nine saves. The Matadors have recorded nearly double the saves.

The Matadors will kick off conference play against a 3-3 UC Riverside squad. Forward/defender Nathan Paterson leads the Highlanders with three goals on 11 shot attempts this season.

UC Riverside goaltenders has been challenged this season as they have recorded 25 saves.

CSUN will look to take advantage of the fact that the Highlanders have allowed three times as many goals as they have.

The Highlanders are 1-2 on the season away from home.