STORY LINES

- Binghamton seeks a return to the America East Tournament after suffering through an injury-plagued 5-10-3 (1-4-2 AE) campaign in 2017. Sophomore midfielder Noah Luescher was the 2017 America East Rookie of the Year while senior forward Nikos Psarras led the Bearcats with six goals. On defense, senior captain Kevin Flesch is entering his fourth season as a starter and redshirt junior Chris Shutler is the top returning goalkeeper. The Bearcats return nine starters from last year and have added 10 newcomers.

- Drexel is also looking to bounce back this season, having gone 2-14-1 (1-6-1 CAA) in 2017. The Dragons have 12 new players on this year's team, including nine freshmen and three sophomores. There are five returning starters on this year's squad.

- The marks the first time that Binghamton and Drexel have squared off in men's soccer. It also marks the first time the Bearcats have started a season with a road game since 2014, when it won 2-1 at Bucknell.

- During its 17-year NCAA Division I era, Binghamton has gone 8-7-2 in season openers, having won its past two matches. The Bearcats won 2-1 over Canisius on Aug. 24, 2016 and 4-0 against George Washington on Aug. 25, 2017. Both games took place at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

- Senior forward Nikos Psarras has scored a goal in each of the past two season openers. Sophomore midfielder Noah Luescher, meanwhile, has a goal and an assist in last year's season opener against George Washington.