Eastern University Men's Soccer earned an important three points in the Freedom Conference standings with a 1-0 win over the visiting Delaware Valley College Aggies. On paper, the game between the conference leading Eagles and the struggling Aggies should have been predictable. The result, however, did not come easy. In the end, the result was exactly that: a result.
"At this point, it's all about getting the three points," said Associate Head Coach Jim Henderson. "It wasn't pretty, but it was a result."
Though the Eastern sideline seemed full of players, most of the bodies on the bench were out with injuries. Many of the players on the field were playing new or unusual positions. Freshman defender James Le has started almost every game at outside back but was pushed to center back to replace injured teammate Kyle Hurst.
"Oh my gosh, there are so many injuries," said Le. "We started out the season with seven defenders and now we're down to four. Thank goodness we have a strong bench. John [Stazzone] had an awesome game. Today was his first start and he played like he's been back there all season."
This version of the back line and keeper John Crowder nabbed the teams sixth shutout of the season. Offensively, the team struggled to string passes together and find a rhythm.
The persistent Eagles found their break with under four minutes to go in the first half. Sophomore forward Dan Shields collected a ball on the left wing and dribbled to the center and slotted the ball to junior Braden Gross. Gross shielded the ball across his body and slid a shot from 12 yards out under the Aggies' goalie, DJ Meisinger.
The second half looked much like the first, both teams playing well-intentioned balls but with suspect execution. In the 73rd minute, senior Phil Mantua almost scored after some fancy footwork in the box. His shot trickled just wide of the post. Overall, Eastern had the better of play, but Crowder made a crucial save with nine minutes left in the game. Tyler Yankovich headed the ball toward the net from a corner kick but a well-positioned Crowder caught the ball.
"I don't know when our guys will be healthy, but that's what I think is great about our team," said Le. "I was up for the challenge of playing center back today and I know that our bench is strong and will step it up as much as they need to."
The Eagles return to Olson Field on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. against King's College. Eastern will recognize their four seniors prior to the game.
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