ST. DAVIDS, Pa. – Eastern Men's Soccer fell to visiting FDU-Florham in the regular season finale 3-2. The Devils scored two second-half goals to earn their way into the MAC Freedom Tournament. The Eagles honored seniors John Remsburg, Hunter Rosenburg, Jon Nazon, and
Josh Cirocco before the match.
George Batista headed in a cross from Andrew Ruane in the 29th minute. The junior midfielder placed the header back across the goal to put the Devils up 1-0.
Eastern (14-2-2, 4-2-1 MAC Freedom) responded just moments later.
Sean Dougherty finished off a beautiful back heel pass from Cirocco, firing the ball into the lupper left side of the net to knot the score at 1-1. The play started on a long throw from midfield by Remsburg.
Jacob Myers skimmed the ball into space for
Billy Walenda. Walenda earned the box and slotted a backwards ball to Cirocco at the top of the box. The senior forward recognized the run of Dougherty and rolled a perfect back-heel ball. Dougherty hit the left-footed shot from fifteen yards out with his first touch for his seventh goal of the year.
Another Remsberg throw created the second Eastern goal.
Jadon Ramsing skimmed the ball. Dougherty flicked the ball up in the air and hit a header hit off the near post. Myers followed the shot and pushed it over the goal line to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead.
The Devils (9-7-1, 5-2 MAC Freedom) tied the game early in the second half on a long throw play. AJ Carnevale headed a short clear back into the box where Robby Bonjione headed a the ball into the path of Chaz Armand. Armand headed home his fifth goal of the year from the doorstep.
FDU-Florham scored what would prove to be the game-winner in the 57th minute. Jose Guardado won a bouncing ball near the top of the box and flipped it over the head of an onrushing defender. HIs right-footed shot curled into the bottom right corner the net for the 3-2 lead.
The Eagles had opportunities late, but the FDU defense held its ground to preserve the second seed in the MAC Freedom Championships. The Eagles, who would have hosted the semifinal with a win, will travel to FDU-Florham on Wednsday.
