ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's soccer team returns to conference play at home on Wednesday, October 23 for a mid-week matchup against the Carthage Firebirds. 

The Vikings enter the contest with an overall record of 4-6-1 and 1-4 in CCIW play.  Augie returns to action after dropping a non-conference battle to Grinnell on Saturday by a score of 4-2. The Pioneers notched two goals in the first 22 minutes of action to take the early 2-0 advantage before Rayane Haidi scored the Vikings' first goal nearly 10 minutes later. Grinnell put up another to increase the gap to 3-1 after 45 minutes of play. 

Returning to the field, the Vikings had a strong showing on defense, fending off Grinnell's pressure until nearly 15 minutes remaining in the game. The Pioneers added to its total in the 75th minute before Gonzalo Alberola notched one of his own five minutes later to make it a 4-2 game. 

Carthage sits at 5-7-1 on the season and 1-4 in conference action after falling to North Central last Saturday by a score of 1-0. Roland Dearborn attempted the lone shot for the Firebirds, while Evan Kowalski notched five saves in goal. Carthage has a 2-4-1 road record with their last away matchup being the loss against North Central.

The Firebirds hold a 15-11-2 all-time series record over Augie. Carthage won last season's meeting at Thorson-Lucken Field by a score of 4-0. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.