Rockhurst men's soccer returns to Bourke Field Saturday (Oct. 3) for a Great Lakes Valley Conference showdown against league-leading Maryville as part of Rockhurst's Family and Alumni Weekend at 7 p.m.

The Hawks enter the weekend 3-4-3 overall and 2-2-3 in GLVC play, while Maryville sits atop the conference standings at 8-2-1 overall and 6-0-1 in league action.

Rockhurst is coming off a 3-3 draw at Upper Iowa last Saturday (Sept. 26). After falling behind in the fifth minute, the Hawks answered with two goals in less than four minutes to take the lead. Daniele Ciancaglini tied the match in the 17th minute off assists from Rhys Laws and Nick Marchetti. Riley McGill followed in the 21st minute, finding the back of the net off a feed from Ciancaglini to give Rockhurst a 2-1 advantage. The Hawks extended their lead in the 70th minute when Laws scored his first goal of the season off an assist from Sam McIntosh. Upper Iowa rallied late, eventually scoring the equalizer with just 14 seconds remaining to force the 3-3 draw.

Rockhurst has produced 14 goals through 10 matches this season while averaging 13.3 shots per game. The Hawks have outshot their opponents 133-106, including a 50-42 advantage in shots on goal. McGill and Tommaso Silanos are the two Hawks with multiple goals this season, while Rockhurst has received scoring contributions throughout its lineup. Ciancaglini and Troy Lor are tied for the team lead with two assists apiece.

Saturday will provide a major test for the Hawks against one of the hottest teams in the GLVC. Maryville comes to Kansas City riding a five-match winning streak and has yet to lose in conference play. The Saints have been one of the league's most dangerous offensive teams, scoring 30 goals through 11 matches for an average of 2.73 per game. The Saints have been especially productive during their current winning streak, scoring 19 goals over their last five matches. That stretch includes a 10-goal performance against Southwest Baptist at Lonnie Folks Field. Maryville's offense has come from all over the field, with eight different Saints recording multiple goals this season. Omar Cilic leads the way with five goals and three assists, giving him a team-high 13 points.

The matchup will also be part of a busy Family and Alumni Weekend on the Rockhurst campus, with festivities surrounding Saturday's athletic events, including a beer garden outside the Convocation Center and fun games for families.

The Hawks will look to protect their home field and hand Maryville its first GLVC loss of the season Saturday at Bourke Field.