BUFFALO — The Canisius College men’s soccer team begins play at the Demske Sports Complex on Sunday with a matchup against local rival University at Buffalo. The Big 4 Shield is on the line with kickoff set for 6 p.m. The rivalry contest can also be seen live on Time Warner SportsChannel.
BIG 4 SHIELD
• The current holders of the Big 4 Shield, Buffalo puts the trophy on the line on Sunday.
• The shield was introduced prior to the 2014 season and awards bragging rights to one of the four local schools – Canisius, UB Niagara and St. Bonaventure – on a yearly basis. The holder must put it on the line in every game against the other schools.
• Canisius claimed the inaugural Big 4 Shield during the 2014 season, taking ownership after defeating Niagara in penalty kicks in the season finale.
• Last season, Buffalo won the shield for the first time after a 4-2 victory against the Griffs and then successfully defended it against St. Bonaventure and Niagara to finish the 2015 season with the bragging rights.
SEASON OPENER RECAP
• The Griffs lost their season opener on Friday after a 2-1 setback versus Binghamton.
• The Bearcats started the contest strong with two first-half goals and held off late Canisius pressure to secure the victory.
• Hakeem Milson scored the Griffs’ first goal of the 2016 campaign – assists to Melvin Blair and Mathew Santos – with Marco Trivellato recording six saves in his first collegiate start.
CANISIUS – BUFFALO SERIES HISTORY
• In a series that dates back to the 1971 season, Buffalo holds a 27-10-7 advantage over the Griffs.
• The series, however, has been very competitive as of late with the teams each winning three times in addition to three draws in the last nine meetings.
• Last season, the Griffs allowed a season-high four goals in a 4-2 loss at Buffalo. Canisius took a 2-1 lead in the 52nd minute but three unanswered goals for the Bulls secured the victory and the Big 4 Shield for Buffalo.
• Canisius won the last meeting between the two schools at the Demske Sports Complex thanks to a goal from Asani Samuels and three saves from Andrew Coughlin.
ABOUT THE BULLS
• Buffalo opened the 2016 season on Friday with a 9-0 victory against Division II foe, Daemen College. The Bulls are set to play their first Division I opponent on Sunday against the Griffs.
• Russell Cicerone led the Bulls with five goals in the victory, setting a new program record.
• The MAC Player of the Year picked up where he left off last season as Cicerone led the Bulls with 32 points, 12 goals and eight assists during the 2015 season.
• Joseph Kuta made three saves against Daemen to earn the win between the posts.
From GoGriffs.com.
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