ST. DAVIDS,Pa.– The visiting Misericordia Cougars scored in the 104th minute to hand Eastern University Men's Soccer the programs first league loss since 2017. The Cougars' goal came on their first shot on goal of the match.

How It Happened: 
With a steady rain falling throughout the afternoon, the surface of Olson Field was exceptionally fast. the Eagles took advantage with outstanding possession through the opening period. Eastern (8-8-1, 4-1) could not, for all the field position and possession, break through with a goal against the stingy Cougar defense. 

The Eagles had six first half corners and eight shots before the break. Julio Ardon had a transition chance with numbers in the 18th minute, but Misericordia goalkeeper Dominic Pizzi gathered the shot and kept the Eagles off the board. Jake Sankey had space for a shot late in the first half, but it slipped high and wide and the teams went to intermission scoreless.

The Cougars grabbed more of the play in the second half, but the Eagles still had most of the possession and the best of the chances. A pair of Misericordia fouls just outside the box gave the Eagles chances in the 60th minute and the 67th. Sankey ripped a shot just wide of the post from 25 yards out on the second one. 

The Cougars had their best chance of the match denied by the offside flag in the 73rd minute. Two Misericordia players were in position to finish a cross, but the flag was up before the ball was touched home. 

Sankey moved into the midfield late and had a chance from close range, but Pizzi stopped his shot a the near post.  His presence in the attack gave the Eagles renewed energy, but an injury early in the overtime forced him back into the back row. 

The Cougars found their goal on a corner kick after a long free kick went off an Eastern player out of bounds. A short clear on the initial serve put the ball in the box and Brandon Ebersole ripped a left-footed volley that deflected off an Eastern defender to beat Anthony Hitchcock. 

The loss is the first in league for the Eagles since  Oct. 21, 2017 st Wilkes. That loss also came in double-overtime. The Eagles can still claim the Regular Season Title and the top seed in the MAC Freedom with wins in their final two matches. If Stevens beats DeSales tonight, the Eagles will secure a spot in the MAC Freedom Tournament.

Coach Payne Says:
"I thought we controlled much of the match today and we won the territory battle for most of the game. We struggled to truly be dangerous in the attacking third. Maybe we could have created more quality chances with the amount of possession that we had. It hurts and is disappointing when you lose and your opponent has one shot on goal. We have to play better. Nothing for us to do other than to regroup and get ready for our next game."

Up Next:
The Eagles will host FDU-Florham on Saturday at 3:00 pm.