(Lebanon, Ill., Oct. 6) – The McKendree University men's soccer team kicks off this weekend's homestand by welcoming Missouri S&T on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The weekend continues on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. as the team hosts Drury University.

The Bearcats head into the weekend looking to bounce back after two tough road losses at Lewis University and University of Wisconsin-Parkside. "We've had good training sessions this week, and we've fixed our individual mistakes," said head men's soccer coach John VanBuskirk.

Heading into the weekend McKendree is currently sitting in the 11^th spot in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) standings. "We have a very tough next three games," Said VanBuskirk. "A win in this conference can move a team up drastically in the standings."

Looking ahead to Missouri S&T and Drury University, two teams sitting in the top four of the GLVC standings, McKendree will look to gain ground in the conference standings. "Limiting our own mistakes will be the difference maker in these contests," said VanBuskirk. "Communication and organization is our key to success."

Scouting the Miners:  Heading into the contest the Miners are 5-1-4 overall, and 4-0-3 in the GLVC. McKendree will be presented with the challenge of stopping Felipe Andrade, the leading goal scorer for the Miners. Andrade is tied in first in the GLVC with eight goals.

Career Record vs. Miners: 0-3-1

Scouting the Panthers: Heading into the weekend the Panthers are 8-2-0 overall, and 6-2-0 in the GLVC. The Bearcats will look to slow down the dynamic duo of Ben Bruce and Charles Guelly. The two are tied in third place in the GLVC with six goals on the 2016 campaign.

Career Record vs. Panthers: 0-4

McKendree hits the road next week as they travel to Maryville University on Tuesday, October 11 at 2:30 p.m. to play a makeup contest from the suspended match on September 16.