Quick Starting Eagles Earn Conference Win With Help of Bell Hat Trick
For the second straight game the Emmaus men jumped on their opponents early. Matched up against the host Warriors of Calvary Bible College, the Eagles entered the game with excited confidence, knowing that if they played their brand of soccer they had a real shot at winning the MCCC Conferene tournament consolation bracket.
"I was a bit nervous matching up with Calvary as they are always a well-disciplined team who plays every body close. After such a close call yesterday I didn't know how the guys would respond. I was pleasantly surprised by their energy out of the gates." (Coach Brown)
The Eagles pushed the ball forward early, winning a corner kick in the opening minute. In the second minute of the game, the Eagles got on the board when Joe Olson found Ryan Bell (#9) on a ball across the box that Bell slotted away with one touch. Six minutes later it looked like the game was going to be all Emmaus as Bell won a ball in the midfield, took a touch to his right, and fired a 30 yard ball into the left side net for a two goal lead.
Emmaus continued to possess well and build up attacks, but they were unable to convert a third goal despite several close calls. In the 30th minute, Calvary, showing their typical feistiness, got themselves back into the game when forward Mark Rodenberg (#11) converted an almost mirror image goal of Bells, turning to his right foot from 30 yards out.
Trailing by just a goal, the Warriors pushed for the equalizer and managed to win two corner kicks late in the half. The Eagle defense, inspired by the beast-like play of left back Tyler Tucker (#20) held firm for the 2-1 halftime lead.
Uncomfortable with only a one goal lead, the Eagles determined to play aggressive soccer from 2nd half whistle. Their efforts were rewarded again, this time three minutes into the half. Samuel Gitonga (#6) sent in a low cross to the top of the six yard box that Elijah Barsness (#1) managed to tap to Joe Olson (#3), who knocked the ball in from short range. Ten minutes later the Eagles struck for a final time when Bell won a ball off of a throw in and cut across the box, knocking the ball in for the team's first hat trick of the season.
The remainder of the match saw the Eagles control most of the possession and nearly convert on several opportunities. The match ended with Emmaus holding a 35 to 3 shot advantage and seven earned corner kicks.
"I was really proud of the way the guys played today. We have played well in the past, but have struggled to actually notch goals. The guys controlled play today and executed our game plan. There were a few sloppy minutes at the end of the first half, but our guys definitely earned the win. Calvary, as always, put up a stiff fight and Coach Nichols always has me nervous with his strong defense and counter-attacking style. More importantly than the win, however, today marked another match of great fellowship on and off the field. It is always a privilege to match up against our Warrior brothers!" (Coach Brown)
The Eagles will be back in action tomorrow afternoon as they take on the Saints of Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB- Moberly, MO). The Saints earned a 1-0 victory over the Eagles in the regular season, despite Emmaus' outshooting CCCB 29 to 7. The Eagles are excited for the opportunity for a rematch as CCCB's stout defense and dangerous playmaker Miguel Gudino (#7) should keep the game very interesting. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 AM.