HAYWARD, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team kicks off its 2021 season this Thursday night, as the Pioneers play host to Dominican under the lights at Pioneer Stadium beginning at 7 p.m.

Masks or face covering are strongly recommended at outdoor athletic events at Pioneer Stadium. The contest will also be streamed live on CCAA Network and will also have live stats. 

East Bay is 4-2-2 all-time against Dominican, and is currently riding a two-match winning streak against the Penguins with the last meeting coming back in 2016.

After Thursday night's showdown, CSUEB will continue its opening weekend with a road tilt at Cal State Monterey Bay on Sunday, Sept. 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Pioneers were picked picked to finish No. 12 in the 2021 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) men's soccer Preseason Coaches Poll released on Aug. 18.

When CSUEB last competed in 2019, the Pioneers were led by senior Tommy Flora's team-high three goals and six total points. Senior and Hayward native Michael Francisco added two goals with four total points that season, while senior Miles Ramos led all Pioneer returners with 1,460 minutes played.

Next week, the Pioneers will host the East Bay Fall Classic beginning on Sept. 10, with a showdown against Holy Names starting at 4:30 p.m.