ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– Coming off a big win at York midweek, Eastern University Men's Soccer dropped a tough 1-0 decision to the visiting Stevenson University Mustangs. The Eagles produced an 18-to-6 edge in shots in the match, but the visitors capitalized in the 24th minute and then held off a second-half onslaught to claim a critical three points in the league.
The team honored its four seniors before the match.
Even with a steady wind in their face, the Eagles had much of the play in the first half. In the 14th minute,
Marino Iandolo had a tremendous chance turned away at the near post. Six minutes later,
Ethan Pfau tested the Stevenson keeper, Nolan Olsen-Warwick again was up to the task. Pfau missed the frame by inches with a strong effort in the 22nd minute.
The only goal of the match came on a ball over the top that landed between the Eastern back row and sophomore goalkeeper
Ty Bleiler. The steady breeze resulted in a misplayed header and a wide open goal for Stevenson midfielder Landon Eaton who did not miss.
The Eagles had a quick response and generated a chance in the box. Matt Capuano ripped a low drive from 15 yards out, but again Olsen Warwick stuck out a leg for a great reaction save.
Bleiler made four of his five saves in the first half as the Eagles defended five Stevenson corners. The Eagles went to the break down a goal but looking like an equalizer would come.
Over the final 45 minutes, the Eagles' positive play created chance after chance. Every time the Mustangs turned away an attack, the Eastern midfield would win the ball back and start a new push forward. Though they produced an 8-1 edge in second-half shots and a number of dangerous restarts, the Eagles were unable to find an equalizer.
The loss drops the Eagles behind Stevenson in the standings and gives the Mustangs an important tiebreaker. While not eliminated from the post-season, the Eagles would need to win out and get several other results to fall into line to finish in the top four and secure a spot in the MAC Commonwealth Tournament.
The only part of that scenario that the Eagles control begins when they will host Widener on Tuesday at 3:30.
