NEWPORT NEWS, Va.– Eastern University Men's Soccer dropped a tough 1-0 decision in cold and windy conditions to the host Christopher Newport University Captains (14-2-4) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. CNU scored the only goal of the match at the 55 minute mark and held on for the win. 

How It Happened:
With winds gusting up to 40 miles per hours, Both teams struggled to maintain extended possession and the conditions created numerous collision opportunities and turned into a battle of restarts through the opening half. The Eagles had several free kicks from wide positions, but the Captainst were able to read the wind correctly and clear balls from danger. The two teams combined for 19 first-half fouls and 36 in the match.

Anthony Hitchcock came off his line to make a solid save on a breakaway chance in the eleventh minute. Sam Sutherland had the Eagles' best chance on a clever ball from Matt Mitchell in the 32nd minute.

With chances scarce throughout the match, the hosts jumped on a misplayed clear ten minutes into the second half. Justin Wilson won the battle for the ball thirty-five yards from goal and was able to slot a finish past Hitchcock for his seventh goal of the year.

The Eagles built some pressure and created three second-half corners and several restarts in normally dangerous positions. Gusty winds and a big CNU back line made these chances less dangerous.

The game was the final match for Jake Sankey. The  senior center back played every minute of the 2019 campaign and brought a very young group back to the NCAA Tournament. He, Hitchcock, Sutherland are the only three upperclassmen on the roster. Ten freshmen played in the match for the Eagles today.

Up Next:
The Captains advance to the second round of the tournament. They will host Swarthmore College. The Garnet advanced to tomorrow's match with a penalty kick shootout win over Roanoke.