Heavy rains on Saturday gave the Eagles another day to rest. The extra rest allowed the Eagles to get several key players back from injury, and the team responded with a spirited 2-0 win on the heavy pitch at Rowan. Drew Bixler and Kyle Hurst collected goals, and Jon Crowder picked up his second shutout of the year.

The Eagles carried the play early, and Bixler netted his third strike of the year in the ninth minute. Bixler, a junior forward, collected a loose ball in the box, and after beating a final player slotted home what would become the game-winner.

The hosts began to assert their influence on the match with more dangerous possession, but Crowder was equal to the task with a pair of  first-half saves. As the half progressed, the game became more physical, as both teams brought great zeal that was not always accompanied by great footing. The two teams were called for 17 fouls in the first 45 minutes of the match.

Bixler's goal would ultimately prove to be the game-winner, but Hurst's insurance tally twelve minutes into the second half gave the Eagles some needed breathing room.

The teams' focus on attacking restarts throughout the early part of the year paid dividends on the second goal. Alex Schweitzer ripped a back post ball on the Eagles first corner kick of the second half. Senior defender Nate Goble flicked a header to Hurst, and the junior from Long Island calmly doubled the lead with his second goal of the year. 

The Eastern defense continued to hold its ground and the 2-0 lead held up. Head Coach Mark Wagner was pleased to have nearly his full squad available to contribute, andfelt there was much to build on out of this evening's result. He cited the efforts of senior center backs Goble and Mike Leitzel and the work in the midfield done by Hurst and fellow junior Ben Faro. "It was good to have Goble back," Wagner said, "and though we fell out of sync a couple times, we also put together some really good moments to give ourselves several chances to score. Ithought Grant [Supplee] was very good on the right as well."

The Eagles (3-1) will have another opportunity to test themselves against a quality NJAC opponent when they host Rutgers-Camden on Wednesday afternoon at 4:30.

Box Score