ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Soccer dropped a tough 2-1 decision to the visiting Manhattanville College
Valiants in the MAC Freedom Conference opener for both teams. Manhattanville (8-3, 1-0 MAC Freedom) scored twice in the second half to earn the win.
The Eagles (7-2-1, 0-1 MAC Freedom) controlled much of the possession in the opening frame and several great chances on corner kicks and restarts from deep in the Valiant end. That possession was rewarded in the 32nd minute of the match.
The play started on the left flank and worked through the midfield to
Chad Mentzer on the right side. Mentzer played a ball into the feet of
Cade Harmon, and Harmon went to work on the right wing. The shifty sophomore eluded a defender and slotted a ball toward
Jake Sankey at the near post. Sankey was marked and let the ball slip through his legs to an unmarked
JD Saracco in the middle of the goal. Saracco tucked home his second of the year to put the Eagles up.
Eastern held a 6-0 edge in corner kicks in the first half and took a 1-0 lead to the intermission.
The game changed four minutes into the second half. Manhattanville forward Robin Schaufele won a battle for a high serve near the edge of the penalty box and powered his way into the box for a tough-angle shot from 12 yards out. His shot slipped inside the far post to tie the game at a goal apiece.
The Eagles had a great chance in the 55th minute, but Manhattanville goalkeeper Tim Carsting got to a low corner for Harmon's shot from seven yards out. The ensuing corner looked dangerous but bore no fruit, and the game remained tied.
Schaufele won another battle in the 67th minute and was able to free himself for a shot near the top of the box.
Quentin Keibler made the initial save, but Manhattanville's Rob Hammerle beat everyone else to the rebound and knocked home the game-winner.
The Eagles had several more chances on restarts late, but the Valiant back row stood tall and held on for the win.
Eastern returns to action on Olson Field for a non-league tilt on Monday.
