MEN'S SOCCER NOTEBOOK
The Vermont men's soccer team opens up with a pair of non-conference road games to start the 2021 campaign. The Catamounts kick off the season on Thursday (Aug. 26) when it visits Iona at 1 p.m. UVM then travels to Lehigh for a clash with the Mountain Hawks on Sunday (Aug. 29) at noon.
 
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Thursday's season opener can be seen live on Iona's free stream, which fan can access at ICGaels.com. Sunday afternoon's matchup with Lehigh will broadcast on ESPN+, which is a subscription-based service that starts at $6.99 per month.
 
RELATED LINKS
Thu. at Iona – Watch | Live Stats
Sun. at Lehigh – Watch | Live Stats
 
FOLLOW THE CATAMOUNTS ON THE ROAD – COVID POLICIES
Iona
There are currently no COVID restrictions outside at Mazzella Field. If spectators enter any of the buildings on campus (e.g. to use restrooms), fans are asked to wear a mask.
 
Lehigh
There are currently no COVID restrictions for fans at Lehigh. For any spectators who prefer Physically-Distanced seating, the section at the North end of the bleachers is marked with physically-distanced signage.
 
SCOUTING THE GAELS
Iona kicks off its 2021 season on Thursday ranked sixth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Gaels posted a 2-4-1 (2-3-1 MAAC) record last season, which was good for seventh in conference standings. Iona fell to second-seeded Rider 4-1 in the MAAC Quarterfinals. The Gaels return leading scorer Lenworth Lopez who registered five goals for 10 points last season.
 
ALL-TIME vs. IONA
The Catamounts and Gaels share 2-2 records in the all-time series. Iona took the last matchup with a 3-1 victory in 2019. Vermont won 3-1 in 2005 for its last victory over Iona. Thursday's contest will be the first matchup between the conference foes at Mazzella Field.
 
SCOUTING THE MOUNTAIN HAWKS
Lehigh was ranked fifth in the Patriot League Preseason Poll after a 1-4 record in conference play last season. The Mountain Hawks' Josh Luchini and Stevo Bednarsky were selected to the Patriot League Preseason All-League Team. Luchini had a team-high seven points on three goals and one assist while Bednarsky manned the midfield.
 
ALL-TIME vs. LEHIGH
Vermont and Lehigh face off for the second time in series history. The Mountain Hawks and Catamounts played to a scoreless draw in 1997 at the UNH Fall Classic.
 
CATAMOUNTS RANKED NO. 2 IN AMERICA EAST | Release
For the second consecutive season, Vermont was selected second in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Catamounts received 57 points, including one first-place vote, behind only New Hampshire (64 pts.) with nine first-place votes.
 
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE LEADERSHIP GROUP | Release
Head coach Rob Dow announced that goalkeeper Nate Silveira and midfielder Daniel Pacella have joined Nolan Jimmo and Garrett Lillie as captains for the 2021 season.
  
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