The Eagles were coming home from a frustrating 0-2 road trip to open the season in California and found things unfriendly in the home confines versus La Sierra U losing 2-0.
The Eagles traveled to Fresno, Ca. to open their 2010 campaign against the 2009 National tournament qualifier Fresno Pacific Sunbirds. It was hot, how hot?, 104 degrees at kickoff at 7pm. The Eagles started strong and had many chances to score but couldn't get the ball in the back of the net. In the 20th minute Sophomore
Andrew Davidson had a great moment inside the box but ended up pushing the ball wide by inches. The team was led defensively by another Sophomore
Keldon Hatch who played a superb game putting out fires all over the backline. In addition, Senior
Magi Manresa played strongly in the midfield for the Eagles. The game was knotted up until the 40th minute when the Eagles tried an illadvised pass through the center of the defense, whcih was cut out by the Sunbirds and directly led to goal giving the Sunbirds a 1-0 lead right before halftime giving the home crowd of 100 people something to cheer about as the teams went into halftime.
The Eagles started the second half, and oh by the way...now it was 95 degrees and 8pm, with good intentions but sadly gave up a goal 1 minute into the second stanza on a near post header off a corner kick. The Eagles tried to play from behind but their inability to hold the ball cost them as they dropped their opener 2-0.
The Eagles confidently faced NAIA newcomer Marymount College at the Home Depot Center but ran into a buzz saw as Marymount College had all the answers that night and trounced the Eagles 4-1. ERAU tried to play but MMU rode the wave of orientation enthuiasm to their very first win as 4 year college program. Senior
Magi Manresa picked up the lone goal for the Eagles and Junior
Lyle Ratcliffe played strongly in the backline. All in all the Eagles learned alot from their first road trip of the year and needed to turn their attention to La sierra U. to get back on track.
The Eagles started the game strongly against La Sierra U. and it looked like it might be an Eagle blow out. Head Coach
Jim Barlow shuffled the lineup and it looked like it was going to pay dividends but a lack of a killer scoring attitude proved costly for the Eagles as they conceded a goal against the run of play which breathed life into the outmanned LSU squad. Although
Keldon Hatch,
Magi Manresa, Patrcik Patzig and new addition the backline
Scot Larson played well, it wasn't enough for the Eagles as they gave up another headed corner kick goal a few minutes after halftime which sealed the deal for LSU.
The Eagle hope to get into the win column on Sunday when they meet Oklahoma Christian U.at 11am and then Mid America Nazarene on Monday at 5pm. Come support your Eagles as they search for their first win in this young season.