DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - For the third time in four years, the Loras men's soccer team will play in the national semifinal. Friday night's match pits the Duhawks against top-ranked Calvin for a chance to play in Saturday's NCAA Division III National Championship.
 

All-Time Series Against Calvin
Loras trails the Knights in their all-time series, 2-1. The two sides first met in 1994, with Calvin coming away on top by a final score of 4-2. This will be the first time the teams have met since the 2013 season.

Last Time Against Calvin
The Duhawks last squared off against Calvin in 2013 at the Raider Invitational in Milwaukee, Wis. Loras was victorious by a final score of 3-2. Jorge Simon and Dan Figura each added goals for the Duhawks, but an own-goal on behalf of Calvin sealed the Knights fate. Calvin scored late in the 76th minute to bring the match within one goal, but the Loras defense held tough.

Scouting The Knights
Calvin's in the midst of an impressive season which has them entering Final Four play undefeated with a record of 24-0-1. Their lone tie came in their season opener with Endicott College, resulting in a nil-all decision. The Knights produced 10 All-Conference players this season, with senior defender Nick Groenewold named as the MIAA's Most Valuable Player. Groenewold produced six goals and three assists this season, while anchoring the Knight defense. Goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos has had a remarkable season resulting in 19 shutouts and a .204 goals-against-average that ranks second in the nation. His 19 shutouts is a NCAA III single-season record.

Looking to Be the First
While Loras has advanced to the Final Four on five occasions, they have never advanced to the national championship. In fact, no Loras team has ever advanced to a national championship in the history of the college.

Giacotto Finding His Stride in the Postseason
After registering just one goal in the regular season, senior Justin Giacotto has tallied in each of Loras' NCAA Tournament games leading up to the Final Four. Giacotto earns his keep as a strong defender in the Duhawks' man-marking system yet has found his offensive touch.

What to Watch For
The first 15 minutes of Friday's match will be crucial for both sides. For Loras, their swarm and high-pressure will create plenty of chances, but the Duhawks have to finish. As has been the case for most of the season, when Loras allows teams to hang around because of their own missed opportunities, it has given opponents confidence. For Calvin, they will push to get the ball out wide to their quick and talented wingers. The Knights' defense has posted three shutouts in the NCAA Tournament, allowing only a first half goal to Ohio Wesleyan in the second round.