ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– Eastern University Men's Soccer dropped a tough 1-0 decision to the visiting Swarthmore College Garnet. Though the Eagles created chances throughout, the Garnet found the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute and made it hold up.

The Eagles (1-5-1) had the first chance of the second half on a restart from the right side. Dylan Daigneault rose above all the Swarthmore defenders, but his header hit the crossbar just above the right upright.

Over the next several minutes, Swarthmore (5-2) found a rhythm in possession and converted a on a brilliant strike from Bless Tumushabe coming off the left wing. The senior forward took a pass in wide space and earned space inside. HIs right-footed blast was in the top of the net almost as soon as it left his foot.

It was going to take a shot of that caliber to beat Ty Bleiler. The Eastern rookie finished the day with five total saves. Two of those efforts were highlight-reel material that came with Eastern down a goal in the second.

His work to keep the game within one seemed like it would bear fruit as the Eagles created chances with quick transition play and well-timed pressure.

The Garnet carried possession, but the Eagles were dangerous in transition and on restarts. Tenzin Choedak had a chance from the right side saved by Swarthmore keeper Max Kral. Choedak finished with two shots on goal off the bench.

The reserves played a key role in the game. With the Eagles down a pair of starters, Zach Chaplin and Joshua Rivera got extended minutes and were effective. Andrew Potter and Tommaso Garavaglia each played over 65 minutes off the bench.

In the 69th minute, the Eagles put a ball in the goal after a scrum in front of the goal, but the goal-scorer was ruled offside and the Eagles continued to chase. Chaplin had a chance on a ball bouncing in the box, but the sophomore forward could not get a shot out of the crowd.

Nik Kokolios and Ryan Jammes both had shots saved int he final fifteen minutes. The Eagles had a final effort on an 88th minute corner, but the Garnet defense held its ground.

Both teams had eight second-half shots. Swarthmore had a slight 13-11 edge in total shots.

"We battled hard today," Head Coach Glodi Konga said after the match. "The guys executed our game plan very well and created opportunities. We looked like a team today and this is on par with how we want to play. The result did not go our way today but we're hopeful and preparing for the next one."

The Eagles host Centenary College on Saturday at 3:30.