SWARTHMORE, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Soccer saw its six-match winning streak come to an end with a 3-1 loss at Swarthmore College. The Eagles (6-1) tied the match in the final seconds before half but gave up a goal right after the break and a late penalty kick for the final margin.

In the seven previous match-ups between the two programs dating back to 2006, only one, a 3-0 home win for Eastern in 2017, was decided by more than a goal. It was therefore no surprise that tonight's test provided little room for error for either team.

With space limited and the tight turf of Clothier Field presenting all types of bouncing balls, both sides adopted defensive postures, and the two teams traded possession in the midfield for much of the early going.

Swarthmore had a  shot from distance after an Eastern turnover at midfield that Diesel Fiore parried wide for a corner. Twelve minutes later, the Garnet got on the board on on a header on their fourth corner kick of the match. Harry Nevins nodded home a ball at the back post for the lead.

The Eagles answered with a pair of corners heading into the final minute of the frame. The second corner resulted in Swarthmore goal kick. The Garnet played short, and Evan Cope pressed the play perfectly. The rookie forward stole a back pass and poked it home for his team-best fifth goal of the year.

While the goal leveled the score, the Garnet still went to the break having had more of the play. That momentum carried into the second half and Swarthmore struck quickly. After a throw in on the near side, Charley Ward earned the edge on the left flank and drove a low cross through the scoring area. Joe Barile touched home his second of the year for what would turn out to be the game-winner.

With restarts all over the field, the Eagles had chances to equalize. Their best chance came in the 66th minute when Nik Kokolios feathered a pass behind the Swarthmore back row for Eduardo Guitierez on the right side. The first-year center back cut the ball back into the scoring area where both Kokolios and Jake Morales met the ball. Kokolios hit a shot just over the crossbar.

The Garnet had a penalty kick off the woodwork in the 78th minute, and the Eagles continued to seek chances. As time wound down, the Eastern coaching staff committed more numbers forward, Down numbers in the back, the Eagles gave up a another penalty. Nevins converted in the 89th minute for the final margin.

"Swarthmore executed their game plan well." Head Coach Kevin Brenner said after the match. "I thought we played with more intention in the final thirty minutes, but Swarthmore is not a team that we can afford to spot a lead. Back to work for another two tough home tests."

The Eagles, who received votes in this weeks United Soccer Coaches National Poll and were ranked fourth in Region V rankings, are back on Olson Field this Saturday for a 2:00 pm match against Lycoming.