Emmaus Eagles Finish Well Despite Loss To Strong Ozark Squad
The Emmaus Eagle soccer team wrapped up its season on Sunday in Joplin, MO against MCCC regular season conference champions Ozark Christian Ambassadors. Coming off of a rough game the previous day, the Eagles were determined to put up a fight.
The Eagles got off to a good start finding feet and putting pressure on the Ambassadors' back line. Emmaus nearly took the lead when they were awarded a penalty kick in the 13th minute off of an Ambassador handball in the box. Sophomore Elijah Barsness stepped up and slammed the kick off the left post and out.
As both teams battled back and forth, it was Ozark who finally managed to get on the scoreboard in the 24th minute when Nick Cannon (#7) crossed a ball from the left flank that took one bounce before Tim Wesley (#11) struck a perfect side volley into side netting. Just one minute later the Ambassadors added to their lead when speedy forward Endicott (#9) managed to get behind the Emmaus defense and elude the Emmaus keeper to poke the ball into the net. Though Emmaus battled on knowing they weren't out of the game, the Ambassadors managed to deliver a dagger just before half when 1st Team All Conference midfielder Taylor Hunt (#12) somehow split the Emmaus back line off of a throw in and fired a shot home.
"It was a bummer to be trailing by 3 at half as we really felt like we had played with them and could have easily had a couple of goals of our own. Ozark's first two goals were just great finishes that we couldn't do much about, and the third was really the first time our communication broke down in the half. Still, the guys weren't down about it and looked to build each other up at the break." (Coach Brown)
The second half saw Ozark slowly start to filter players on and off the field. Similar to the first half, both teams battled back and forth. Emmaus nearly got themselves on the scoreboard in the 68th minute when Ryan Bell (#9) sent a perfect cross to a flying Joe Olson (#3) who was denied a goal by diving Ambassador keeper Soto (#1). It was Ozark, however, who managed to add to their lead in the 75th minute when Javier (#21) struck a perfect shot in from a tough angle at the corner of the 18. Ten minutes later Ozark would add to their lead as N. Wesley (#17) found two crosses at his feet, eluded the tired Emmaus defenders, and put away back to back goals.
With the clock winding down and trailing 6-0, the Eagles showed their determination by continuing to press their attack. They were finally awarded in the 88th minute when ACCA All American freshman Anthony Flores (#10) found himself one on one with an Ozark defender. Flores faked left and cut right, creating just enough space to fire a low, hard shot from 22 yards out that found side netting. The final score of 6-1 stood.
"In many ways I felt like we played better today than the last time our two teams matched up. The problem for us was that Ozark managed to put their shots in the net this time around. Hats off to their group as they definitely earned the win today and I wish them all the best at the NCCAAII tournament next weekend. While we struggle to keep up with their depth and speed every year, our guys always enjoy matching up with Kevin Greer's classy group.
As for our guys, I couldn't be more thankful for the team I have had the privilege of working with this year. The captains and upperclassmen, led by seniors Nick Skoglund (#13) and Ryan Bell (#9), really led by example this year on and off the field. The freshmen and newcomers were all great additions to the program as the guys constantly reminded one another that soccer is about so much more than winning. We've been through some pretty wild adventures this year, and it is a blessing to see the individual growth that has taken place. As my dad Coach Brown Senior would say, 'It was a success if the guys grew and honored the Lord.' I trust they did!" (Coach Brown)
Emmaus ended their season with a final record of 6 wins and 14 losses and will look to build on their success in the coming season.