Eagles Score Late Equalizer To Draw With Red Lions

The Emmaus men's soccer team hosted the Red Lions of Lincoln Christian University (Lincoln, IL) on Saturday. The Eagles looked to rebound after a tough battle the night before against conference for Manhattan Christian that saw them fall 2-1. The Red Lions, in a rebuilding year after recently entering the NAIA division, were looking for a big win of their own.

Emmaus came out of the blocks a bit slowly and looked slightly unsettled in the back. Still, they began to settle in after the 10 minute mark and created several good chances that they just weren't able to put away. Lincoln then took advantage of the chaos of a corner kick in the 15th minute to steal the early 1-0 lead when Keaton Doty (#22) settled a rebound off of keeper Rasmussen and chipped the ball into the side net. The Eagles, looking for the equalizer, continued to develop quality opportunities, but to no avail before the break.

The second half witnessed both teams battle back and forth, creating solid chances. Emmaus was finally able to draw even in the 54th minute when Joe Olson (#3) beat a defender and was dragged down from behind in the box. Carson McBain (#11) calmly stepped up and buried his second penalty kick in as many days to even things are a goal apiece.

Just six minutes later, however, it was Lincoln's turn to respond. Talented midfielder Garcia (#13) found space in the middle and fired off a good effort from 25 yards out. Keeper Rasmussen managed to make a dying save, but #23 Krieger-Oyer found the rebound and fired a rocket into the net from close range to give the Red Lions the 2-1 lead.

The final 30 minutes of the second half saw the Eagles push for the equalizer while the Red Lions worked to put the game away. The Lions nearly added to their lead in the 75th minute when Garcia again found space in the box and fired from close range. Junior defender Elijah Barsness came to the rescue, however, and blocked Garcia's effort at the last second.

Tension built as Emmaus continued to fight and send numbers forward. Their efforts were rewarded in the 89th minute when Brandon Young (#13) found space on the right flank and fed a perfect through ball to senior Joe Olson (#3) who struck home to tie things up 2-2.

The game went to overtime as Emmaus showed great energy and looked to grab their first lead. Both sides created opportunities, but struggled to capitalize. Halfway through the second overtime Emmaus defender Elijah Barsness found space on a quick restart and blasted a shot from 25 yards, but Lincoln keeper Brand (#0) was up to the task.

After 110 minutes of play the game ended with both teams tied at two. "I was really proud of the way our guys played down the stretch. We trailed twice but fought back. This was a really even battle for most of the match, as evidences by the final shot count of 27 per team. I though Lincoln really put forth a great effort and I love to see what newly promoted coach Craig Hoskins is doing with his boys. Prioritizing character while also looking for talent can take some time to build, but today it was evident that they are well on their way. As for our guys, there was no quit in them and they really played hard for one another. Each game they play with more confidence and I have no doubt they will give their all to the final whistle. What a joy to coach them!" (Coach Brown)

The Eagle will be back in action on Tuesday, October 4th at home when they take on their inner state and conference rivals the Faith Baptist Eagles (Ankeny, IA). Emmaus won the first meeting of the two teams 2-1 and will look to take the second at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30.