BISMARCK, ND – In the midst of their best run in recent seasons, the hot University of Mary men's soccer team closes out their 2017 home schedule this weekend. The Marauders, riding a three-game winning streak, host Fort Hays State University on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 3:30 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
 
Part of a soccer doubleheader, the UMary men play FHSU after the Marauders women's team hosts Concordia-St. Paul. Tailgating starts at noon, followed by the women's game at 1 pm and the Marauders-Tigers game at 3:30 pm.
 
In addition to claiming three straight wins, the Marauders have captured 5-of-6 matches. All but one of the games during the run, a 3-0 win over Dakota Wesleyan, came on the road. UMary hasn't played at home since Sept. 20 but has improved to 6-5-1.
 
Defense has played a major part of the run. Junior goalkeeper Ludvig Rhodin and the Marauders back line has allowed just seven goals in the five games. Twice UMary has had a clean sheet and two other times allowed just single goals.
 
A big part of the Marauders offensive surge is freshman Joel McIlroy. The native of Larne, Northern Ireland, has a team-high six goals this season, including the game-winners against Southern Nazarene, Jamestown University and Southwest Baptist during the Marauders six-game tear. Three of his goals this season are on penalty kicks, including two walkoff winners against SNU and SBU.
 
Andre Almquist and Zack Jensen also have three goals each for the Marauders this season.
 
The Marauders will see the Tigers quite a bit over the next couple weeks. After hosting FHSU on Sunday, UMary closes out the regular season in Hays, KS, on Nov. 4. Sandwiched in-between is a visit to Fayette, IA, against Upper Iowa on Oct. 30.
 
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