Not much has changed for Pitt-Johnstown men and women’s soccer teams from last season so far.
Both teams are off to a winless start weeks into the season for at least the second year in a row.
While non-conference play is winding down for the Mountain Cats and conference play is ramping up for the Lady Cats, both squads look to make homecoming matches ones to remember.
The women host Edinboro University at 1 p.m. and the men host Daemen College (Amherst, N.Y.) 3 p.m. Saturday.
“We hope that we can have as many as possible come support us Saturday along with the men’s team,” senior defenseman/midfielder Elizabeth Steffen said.
“We enjoy having a big support system cheering us on.”
The Mountain Cats lost to Daemen 2-0 while the Lady Cats fell victim to Edinboro 4-2 last season.
Both games were contested on the road.
Both matchups are scheduled to be parts of the tripleheader for homecoming along with the women’s volleyball team.
“We are hoping to get a decent size crowd for this weekend’s games,” senior defenseman Steven Marsh said.
“We are excited in trying to get our first (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) win this season and as soon as possible.”
The men’s team have lost at least its first three games in the past three seasons.
The Mountain Cats have shown more offense this season compared with any of the last three so far, scoring four goals in their first three games but their defense has let them down.
The team gave up 11 goals in three games to start the season, including a 5-1 loss in the home opener Sept. 9 against Roberts Wesleyan College (Rochester, N.Y.).
“After a somewhat shaky start in non-conference play, the team understands that we are going to have to do better especially with conference play approaching,” sophomore midfielder Jeremy Scheffel said.
Scheffel said the team realizes the opportunities at hand on homecoming weekend.
“We have worked on fixing some of the problems over the past week,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the chances we have to perform this weekend.”
The Lady Cats have more to lose as their homecoming game is against a conference nemesis, as are all of their games except one, the season opener against Goldey-Beacom College (Wilmington, Del.).
“We are coming into this game with a positive attitude (while at the same time) keeping in mind our tough competition,” Steffen said.