The Big 9 Conference is already a tight race, but Rochester Mayo has the opportunity to stake out a spot at the front of the pack with a win against defending league champion Austin.
The Spartans (4-1-1, 2-0) opened the season with a 1-0 loss to Lakeville North and a nil-all draw with East Ridge, but they have recovered nicely with four consecutive wins, including victories at Red Wing (3-0 on Aug. 30) and at New Prague (1-0 on Sept. 8). Jibril Muse, last season's joint-leading scorer, has already gotten off the mark with a goal and should provide plenty of leadership and experience from the midfield.
Austin opened the season with three wins before losing to Rochester Lourdes 3-2 on Sept. 8. The No. 3-1A Packers (3-1, 2-0) must recover quickly from the setback to fend off Rochester Mayo on Tuesday. Julio Hernandez (3 G, 2 A) and Mooday Wah (3 G) have shouldered the offense in the season's early going and will be vital if the Packers are going to pick up an important three points in this conference matchup.