Purchase, NY - For the fifth time this year the Eagles of Eastern University kept their fans on the edge of their seats scoring a goal in the late stages of the game to earn a victory. This time it was a goal in the 87th minute against the Valiants of Manhattanville to win 2-1.

The Eagles came out of the gates firing looking to get an early lead and at the 11:44 mark of the first half that's exactly what they got. Eastern was awarded a free kick and off a hard driven shot it was knocked into the goal off the save by Valiants goalie Willie Silber for the 1-0 lead.

That lead however was short lived as less than three minutes later Manhattanville played a beautiful long ball over the top and Oskar Martinsson beat Jamie Stratton to knot the game at 1-1. 

The game then turned into a battle of defense as both teams looked to find that offensive rhythm that made the first 14 minutes so exciting. Unable to mount an offensive attack on either end the teams headed to the locker room all tied up at 1-1. 

Head Coach Mark Wagner said "the playing conditions were challenging on a windy wet day.  As a result, it was a bit more direct and physical game. I thought we battled well and won both first and 2nd balls well. Sometimes you just have to grind out a win.  Our guys showed character in doing so."

As the game resumed play so did the physicality resulting in a total of four yellow cards being given that half. However, the offenses of both teams still could not find a way to break through and the game remained tied. 

Then it happened, Jesper Hjalm of Manhattanville was given a yellow card right outside the Valiants box and JD Saracco stepped up to take the free kick. And once again just like he did twice against Rosemont he placed it perfectly and scored the go ahead, 2-1, goal with three minutes left to go. 

Eastern would hold on and claim the 2-1 victory to move to 10-0-1 overall and more importantly 1-0 in MAC Freedom play. 

Coach Wagner went on to say "It was an important win. Manhattanville is a very well organized team and tough to beat on the road.  They will be in the playoff hunt at the end of the season, so it was good to get the early conference road win. "

The Eagles will take on the Cougars of Misericordia University next Saturday October 10th at 2:30PM on Homecoming Weekend.