MADISON, N.J.--Eastern Men's Soccer passed a critical test on Wednesday evening, edging the Drew University Rangers 2-1.

Freshman JD Saracco (Boonton Township, N.J./ Mountain Lakes) scored both Eastern goals in Eastern's win. The Eagles improved to 7-1 and Drew dropped to 6-2.

Both teams were ranked in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Eastern entered the game ranked No. 9 and Drew at No. 7. Coach Mark Wagner was pleased with the important road victory. "Drew is a team that will be in the hunt for an NCAA bid at the end of the year," he said. "We were especially pleased that we were able to come back from the 1-0 deficit, score two goals and lock down the game."

Drew struck first with a goal by John Nogiewich in the 20th minute.

Eastern evened the score in the 34th minute. Forward Eric Giovagnoli (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford) fired a hard shot off Drew's keeper that JD Saracco finished with a header over top of the keeper.

Giovagnoli also assisted the second goal for the Eagles. "Eric Giovagnoli was relentless and gave Drew's back line problems most of the night," Wagner said.

In the 60th minute, Giovanoli and Saracco worked a give-and-go in the middle with Saracco finishing the game-winner low towards the left post.

Coach Wagner commented that it was a great night for Saracco to go off with two goals. Saracco hails from Boontown Township, an approximately 20-minute drive from Drew University.

Wagner praised the play of the midfield and the backline in the second half. "They defended and attacked extremely well," he said. "We were much better in transition in the second half and I think it changed the game."

Eastern faces Albright College at 2 p.m. Saturday.

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