The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team is hoping for a little bit of déjà vu Saturday as it hits the road to take on rival SUNY Oneonta.

Similar to last season, the Red Dragons go into the game near the top of the conference standings along with a No. 7 national ranking. The Hawks hope to pull off another upset like they did a season ago when they defeated the reigning SUNYAC finalists, 1-0.

"It's always great to get a win over Oneonta," said SUNY New Paltz senior defender Andres Salcedo. "From the time I was a freshman they are always such a well-organized program. They are always nationally ranked. I believe they are ranked seventh this year. That was the same ranking they had last year when we pulled off an upset. Obviously it's always good to get a win against a rival."

The Hawks split their previous home stand against SUNY Potsdam and Plattsburgh State, but remain at the bottom of the conference standings with a 5-8 overall mark and 1-5 SUNYAC record.

SUNY New Paltz changed its formation last weekend and has worked on its new system all week during practice in hopes of establishing more possession and build up of play in the final third.

"This week we're still getting adjusted to our 4-4-2 formation, working with a diamond in the middle and adjusting the movements of the midfielders," Salcedo said. "We're also working a little more this week on helping the outside backs get up and get more involved in the attack."

The Hawks' biggest key heading into the match up, however, is starting fast. In their last few games they have come out flat and conceded three goals in the first six minutes in three of their last four matches.

"One of the things that we really need to focus on in this upcoming game is to start off on a strong foot," Salcedo said. "We've been a little lackadaisical coming out, but a part from that it's what we've been working on all week, just really getting after it."

The Red Dragons (9-1-1 overall, 5-1 SUNYAC) have gotten out to hot starts all season. They have scored first in five of their last six games and are currently enjoying a five-game winning streak.

They are led offensively by Roberto Ventura who has scored 10 of their 25 goals this year. Nicholas Giordano has started all 11 games in net for Oneonta and has totaled 61 saves, nine goals against and a .871 save percentage.

SUNY New Paltz is set to face the Red Dragons at 1 p.m. Follow @nphawks on Twitter and @newpaltzhawks on Instagram and Facebook for updates, highlights, recaps and more.