The NIU men’s soccer team faces tough competition this weekend starting today when it battles host Western Illinois University at 4 p.m.

WIU (2-4) has yet to win at home this season.

There should be no cause for concern as coach Willy Roy has not lost to WIU in his 15 years of coaching NIU soccer. His teams have won all eight meetings.

Rasih Pala and the NIU defense will once again face a tough challenge as WIU brings two solid forwards to the table.

This time they will be keeping all eyes on Lorenzo Zignago, who stands a towering six-foot-five, and Justin Langan, who lead their team with five and four points, respectively.

Bradley University brings a 4-0-2 record with them when it comes to town Sunday for a noon game versus NIU.

Bradley is a young team with only three seniors on the team and its three top points are all underclassmen.

Do not be mistaken by Butler’s youth as it is ranked in two of the four national polls, including No. 24 by SoccerTimes.com, and No. 26 in the College Soccer News Top 30. The Braves have been ranked as high as 18th this season.

Freshman Brendon Parrish and sophomore Bernhard Hagevik will have a challenge on their hands in trying to score on Braves goalkeeper Chris Dunsheath.

Heading into Thursday’s game against No. 5 Notre Dame, Dunsheath had posted two consecutive shutouts and three on the season while allowing only three goals against the Braves’ opponents this year.