The Eastern University Men's Soccer Team kept their winning streak alive stretching it to eight in a row with a win over the visiting Ravens of Rosemont College 2-0.
In what turned out to be a hard fought, gritty, wet, and physical game the Eagles emerged victorious after a strong 2nd half performance from Jr. Defensemen
JD Saracco. Saracco was able to net two goals off his own corner kicks to give the Eagles the win and keep them riding high as they prepare to enter conference play.
The game started out as a battle between both teams just looking to gain possession in the opening couple minutes. Finally Eastern was able to start mounting an offensive against Rosemont but just could not find a way to break through. That was largely due in part to Ravens Jr. Goal Keeper Zach Bowe who recorded eight saves on the afternoon.
The Eagles relentlessly pummeled Bowe shooting eight times in the 1st half alone and totaling 22 shots overall. The Rosemont keeper and his defense were able to withstand the challenge though and head into the break with a 0-0 tie.
The 2nd half started out much like the first half with both teams battling for position in the midfield looking for a way to break through the others defense and try and get a clear shot on net. That's when Saracco took it upon himself to make a play.
At the 55:02 mark of the 2nd half Eastern was awarded a corner kick and Saracco played a beautiful curling ball right in to the far right corner of the goal to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Just over 20 minutes later at the 77:10 mark it was déjà vu all over again for the Ravens as Eastern got another corner in the same corner and once again Saracco went to take it. And wouldn't you know it he bent another ball in, this time on the near post to give the Eagles the 2-0 lead and eventual win.
That was all the Eagles needed as their defense led by Jr. Goal Keeper
Jamie Stratton, who recorded 3 saves on the night, turned back every attack the Ravens could mount.
The win moved the Eagles to 9-0-1 on the season and extended their winning streak to eight in a row. Eastern will travel to Manhattanville College on Saturday October 3rd for a 4:30 PM start against the Valiants to start MAC Freedom play.
