MSOC | No. 10 Gaels Complete Non-Conference Play This Week

Saint Mary's will finish their non-conference schedule this week as they travel to Illinois on Saturday for a 5 p.m. matchup against the Huskies.

MORAGA, Calif. — No. 10 Saint Mary's will look to earn their seventh clean sheet of the season as they travel to Illinois on Saturday to face off against Northern Illinois at 5 p.m. to complete their non-conference schedule.

Links and more information can be found on the team's schedule page.

The Gaels are going into Saturday's match with an 8-1 record as they are coming off a 4-0 victory over Sacramento State. Joseph Restani led the offense during the contest as he completed the hat trick for his fifth goal of the week in the span of two games. The senior has tallied six goals so far this season, which is tied for his career high.

Anders Engebretsen continues to shine in the national rankings as he leads the country in points per game (2.44). The forward also ranks second in total points with 22, which is just two points shy of tying with Clemson's Kimarni Smith for first.

As a team, Saint Mary's has demonstrated a potent offense as they moved up a spot in the rankings to fourth in the nation in scoring offense. SMC has outshot their opponents 149-73 while recording more than double the shots per game than their opposition with 16.6.

ABOUT NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Northern Illinois currently holds a 4-5-1 record and are returning home to face the Gaels after falling 2-1 to University of Chicago earlier this week. The Huskies remain unbeaten at home as they own a 2-0-1 record.

Northern Illinois' offense is led by Nick Markanich who has the team-best in goals (4), shots (27) and points (9). Jan Maertins follows close behind Markanich in two categories as he has tallied three goals and seven points.

In goal, Martin Sanchez has played in all six matches for the Huskies and is 4-1 so far this season. Sanchez has totaled 20 saves in those contests while also recording one shutout.

Saint Mary's and Northern Illinois hold a 1-1 record between the two teams as they have only met twice in program history. Their last matchup was played at Northern Illinois where the Gaels fell 2-1 on the Huskies' home field.

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