DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras men's soccer team (5-3-0, 1-0-0) comes into this week's action after going 1-1, which included a loss to UW-Whitewater and a win over Saint John's. On Wednesday, the Duhawks face the University of Dubuque in a crosstown clash before hosting Central on Saturday.

LAST TIME OUT
For the first time since 2011, Loras took part in the homecoming festivities, hosting Saint John's under the lights on Saturday night. With seven goals split between the two sides, the Duhawks walked off winners thanks to freshman Liam O'Connell's game-winner in the 82nd minute.

WEEKLY PREVIEW
Loras returns to conference play this week with a pair of IIAC contests. The week begins on Wednesday night against Dubuque, who comes in with a 9-1-0 overall record and a 2-0-0 form in the IIAC. The Spartans currently own a three-game win streak after edging Nebraska Wesleyan last Saturday in overtime, 2-1. Saturday brings Central to town for an afternoon kickoff. The Dutch (7-3-0, 1-0-0) come in riding a two-game win streak after dismantling Coe in conference action their last time out, 5-0. 

KEEP UP WITH THE DUHAWKS 
Wednesday's match against Dubuque will have live stats and video provided, while fans will be treated to a Duhawk Broadcast Network and LCTV Production on Saturday, with both the live stream and live stats provided via the SIDEARM Sports platform, courtesy of Tri-State Travel.

SERIES HISTORY AGAINST DUBUQUE
Loras owns the all-time record with the Spartans at an advantage of 20-0-0. The most recent meeting came in the 2015 IIAC Tournament Championship inside the Rock Bowl. The Duhawks won the closely contested match 1-0 thanks to a strike from senior Alex Bradley in the 50th minute advancing Loras to their 11th NCAA Tournament in program history. 

SPARTANS TO WATCH OUT FOR 
Gonzalo Hernandez-Cascante comes off a 2015 campaign where he totaled 35 points by way of 13 goals and nine assists, earning multiple postseason accolades, including IIAC Offensive MVP and NSCAA All-Region honors. Through 10 matches this season, Hernandez-Cascante has scored 11 goals and added six helpers for a total of 28 points. Spartans' goalkeeper Luis Gallardo anchors the defense with a 0.49 goals against average, which includes 29 saves for an .853 save percentage and five clean sheets.

SERIES HISTORY AGAINST CENTRAL 
The Duhawks own the all-time record against the Dutch at a mark of 21-3-2. In last season's meeting, Loras disposed of Central to the tune of a 4-nil mark, highlighted by Alex Bradley's second minute strike, which served as the game-winner.

DUTCH TO WATCH OUT FOR 
Miguel Pina leads the scoring for the Dutch this season with 18 points by way of eight goals, which rank second in the IIAC, and two assists. Pina recorded a brace in Central's 5–0 win over Coe. Dutch goalkeeper Josh Carpenter owns a 0.76 goals against average while adding 25 saves and a .781 save percentage.

DUHAWKS CREATING OPPORTUNITIES 
The Duhawks were dominant on both the scoreboard and stat-sheet during their homecoming bout against Saint John's last Saturday. Loras racked up 17 shots against the Johnnies, half a shot shy of their season average. This was the third consecutive match in which Loras has outshot their opponents by more than four. The Duhawks have posted an impressive 54 shots during their past three outings, which is 21 more total attempts compared to their opponents.

YOUNGSTERS MAKING AN IMPACT
As of late, the freshman class for the Purple & Gold have begun to find their stride and own their roles as a part of the team. Freshmen Alex Herrera and Liam O'Connell have become legitimate threats in the Duhawk attack as O'Connell is amongst the point leaders, currently tied for second in goals with three. Herrera opened the scoring for Loras in the 44th minute of their 4–3 win over Saint John's. 

HEART OF IIAC SCHEDULE ON THE HORIZON
Following last Saturday's tilt against Saint John's, the non-conference portion of the Duhawks' schedule has all but concluded, with the exception of a match against Elmhurst on Oct. 16. Wednesday marks the beginning of four consecutive conference matches as Loras faces Dubuque on the road. A season ago, the Duhawks went a perfect 7-0-0 in IIAC play before winning the conference tournament to receive the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

MOORE THE DISTRIBUTOR 
Junior Spencer Moore is making his name be known yet again this year for the Duhawks having tallied five assists, which ranks second in the Iowa Conference. After opening the year with four assists in his first three games, Moore etched his name into the scoresheet with his helper on Saturday's game-winner. After receiving the one-touch pass from senior Alex Bradley, Moore sent the ball back to the middle where freshman Liam O'Connell had joined the attack and blasted home the winner.