ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Soccer opened the MAC Freedom season with a 3-0 win over the visiting Manhattanville College Valiants. Jacob Myers scored his third goal of the week, and Jake Sankey had a goal and an assist in the win.

How It Happened:
The Eagles absorbed a little pressure early from the Valiants (9-3, 0-1 MAC Freedom). In the 16th minute, Liam Harmon secured the ball on the left flank and attacked on the dribble. The sophomore midfielder beat a pair of Manhattanville defenders up the goal line and was a bout to slot a ball into the scoring area when he was dropped by a lunging tackle. Myers converted the penalty kick for his fourth goal of the season.

The Eagles had a few more good chances in the first half. Manhattanville goalkeeper Charles Roberts punched a hard corner from Colin Furlong off the goal line. Eastern had a 9-4 edge in first-half shots.

The second half opened with the Eagles absorbing some pressure. After three fouls in a two and a half minute stretch, a Manhattanville player picked up his second yellow card, and the Valiants would have to play the final 38 minutes with only ten players. The advantage did not immediately pay dividends as Anthony Hitchcock was forced to make his best save of the game early in the 59th minute. He was unable to hold the initial shot but Jake Cahill was in the area to clear the rebound from danger.

While the Eagles had a little bit of a lull initially, they again found their rhythm and doubled the lead on a corner kick goal just short of the hour mark. Furlong flighted a low ball in from the left side and Sankey flicked a header to the back post. Walenda touched the ball over the line for his second goal of the season.

Three minutes later, the Eagles capped a 15-pass sequence with a long-range effort from Sankey. The movement started on the right, moved to the left, and then all the way across to the right. The Valiants sunk deeper into their end, and Travis Barclay played a ball to central space for Sankey about 40 yards from goal. The junior center back took a big touch out of his feet and ripped a shot just under the bar for his second of the year.

Eastern finished the match without allowing another shot from the guests. Manhattanville had won the last two, and three of the last four meetings between the two programs.

Coach Payne Says:
"Our mentality was much better today. I think some of that has to do with our lack of success against them the last couple years, and some frustration from our last result. We need to get to the point where we can have that mentality each time out. We need to find consistency. Even within the game today, we had some lulls. After the red card and after the third goal, we seemed to lose a little focus and drive, but overall, we are pleased with the day."

"They are a very talented young team. We put six seniors in the starting line-up. Evan Needs and Jereme Wells in their first starts gave us good maturity and some very good play. Evan being out there helped Cade Harmon to find a little more comfort playing underneath a little. Cade really helped us with his fitness and willingness to defend."

"Liam [Harmon] was really dangerous today. He created the first goal with his willingness to be aggressive at the right time. I believe the goals and assists will start to come for him as we move forward."

"We really want to focus on our mentality. Franklin and Marshall will be a very good test for us."

Up Next:
Eastern will host the No. 11 Franklin and Marshall College Diplomats (8-0-2) on Tuesday at 4:00 pm before returning to MAC Freedom play at FDU-Florham on Saturday.