SALISBURY, Md.– The Eastern University Men's Soccer Program moved into the National Rankings yesterday, and faced its toughest test of the year today. The Eagles (7-0-1) passed that test with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at No. 22 Salisbury University (5-2).  Sean Dougherty headed home the only goal of the match in the 39th minute.

The Eagles had the better of play in the early part of the match. They forced Salisbury keeper Drew Staedeli to make three saves in the first 17 minutes of action but were unable to find the difference-making marker.

Salisbury got in to the Eastern zone in the 30th minute and Quentin Keibler was up to the task with a save, but the sophomore standout was unable to continue and the Eagles turned to Jamie Stratton to keep their goal safe. Stratton, seeing his first action of the year, turned away two shots and managed his box well to preserve the shutout win. Stratton's biggest play came to preserve the lead in the 43rd minute. He made a bif reaction save on a bicycle kick attempt by Salisbury's Leslie Umunna.

Dougherty scored the goal, his third of the year, on a JD Saracco corner kick. Throughout the second half, the Eagles used their depth to apply pressure up the field and limit the Sea Gulls' chances at goal. Salisbury put just one shot on goal in the second half.

For the match, the Eagles held a 13-9 advantage in shots and a 7-3 edge in shots on goal. Salisbury doubled up the Eagles 6-3 on corners.

Eastern will play at Albright College on Saturday evening and returns home to host Rosemont College on Tuesday.