CHESTER, Pa.– Despite holding a 19-to-17 edge in shots, Eastern University Men's Soccer dropped a tough 1-0 decision at Widener University. The host Pride scored the only goal of the match in the 28th minute. 

Widener had the best early chances, but the Eagles (3-7-1, 0-2) gained ground and pushed back with several chances in the run of play and on restarts. The Pride grabbed the lead after an Eastern corner kick. With both Eastern center backs in the box, the Widener defense cleared the ball form danger and Monsif Atify split the remaining defense with a tremendous pass to spring Sean Fatiga. Emmanual Hewitt ran down the play and deflected Fatiga's shot, but was not able to keep it out of the goal.

Early int he second half, the Eagles got a great chance to equalize after Evan Cope earned the box with a strong run in the 54th minute. He earned a foul for a penalty kick. Nik Kokolios connected well, but Widener goalie Ryan Van Pelt kept the ball out with a great diving save. 

Moments later, Fatiga had a chance to double the Widener lead, but Ty Bleiler dove to tip his low shot around the post and keep the Eagles in the game. 

Over the final twenty minutes, Eastern pushed the action and had chances on on corners,restarts, and in the run of play. They were not, however, able to find an equalizer. 

"It was a disappointing loss tonight," Head Coach Glodi Konga said after the match. "We struggled to connect passes in the first half, which put more pressure on us, and we conceded a goal. We maintained possession in the second half but couldn't create enough goal-scoring chances to pull one back. We have a lot of work to do before Saturday. We will be prepared."

The Eagles will host Hood College in another MAC Commonwealth game on Saturday for Homecoming.