HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - Eastern Men's Soccer began their 2022 season against Christopher Newport at Captains Field on Friday evening. While faced with a flurry of counterattacks and physical play from the Captains, the Eagles fell 1-0. Eastern was outshot 14-3 in the contest and could not generate much offense. 

In the early stages of the first half, it was a midfield battle until the Captains broke free with a fast-break goal with a well-placed pass from Elton Quintanilla to Sam Dickinson to take the lead in the 26th minute. The Captains (1-0) stayed aggressive towards the final moments of the period and continued to generate pressure on the offensive end of the pitch. 

At the start of the second half, the Eagles (0-1) faced another offensive threat from CNU. However, first-year goalkeeper Ty Bleiler saved a penalty kick from Owen Burnett in the lower right corner. The Eagles still faced constant attacks and physical play from the Captains. Eastern found chances late in the game with a Derek Buhrman header and a Tenzin Choedak right-footed shot that sailed wide. 

While on the defensive, Eastern came up with multiple key stops that prevented more goals. The team stayed composed until the final whistle. 

"We came out flat in the first, and it hurt us," Eastern Head Coach Glodi Konga said. "But the guys responded well in the second half and controlled the game. However, it wasn't enough to pull one back. We are learning, growing, and we get to go at it again tomorrow."

Eastern will remain on the road as they face Virginia Wesleyan University on Saturday, Sept. 3. The contest is set to begin at 5 PM.