Fairley’s Header Seals Big Home Win Vs. Faith

The Emmaus men's soccer team was back in action at home on Tuesday afternoon as they took on the Eagles of Faith Baptist Bible College (Ankeny, IA) for the second week in a row. Emmaus had pulled out a tight 2-1 victory the previous week thanks to some quality finishes and some scrappy defense as they looked to earn a similar victory at home against their in-state conference rivals.

    Both teams looked a little sluggish from the start, committing several turnovers in the midfield, but with neither team able to capitalize. Freshman Brandon Young broke things open in the 14th minute when he volleyed a long throw by Carson McBain past charging Faith keeper David Levy and into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead. The goal sparked a push by Faith, but with each attack held in check by a stout Emmaus defense who thrived despite missing captain Elijah Barsness (#1). Faith's best chance of the first half  came in the 30th minute when Andrew Young (#21) created space in the midfield and shot off of a quick turn from 25 yards out. The ball, which was curving toward the far post, was deflected wide by a diving Erik Rasmussen (#00) to help preserve the one goal halftime lead.

    The second half saw Faith make a quick push forward as they drew in the middle of the field at just over 20 yards from goal. The Emmaus wall held, however, as midfielder Joseph Frerich's shot bounced off the chest of Anthony Flores (#10).

    Five minutes later Emmaus had an answer of their own. Senior Joe Olson (#3), who had recorded goals and drawn 2 penalties in his previous 4 games, applied high pressure to the Faith back line as he chased down a pass from Carson McBain (#11). Following a miscommunication between a Faith defender and their keeper, Joe managed to poke the ball from behind and into the goal to give Emmaus a two goal lead.

    Two minutes later Faith was rewarded for their own efforts when Josh Bray (#20) heaved a mighty throw into the box and onto the head of Andrew Young (#21) who hit the ball home. Using their momentum from the goal Faith continued to push for the equalizer, sending in several dangerous crosses. Once again the Emmaus defense was up to the task.

In the 80th minute, Emmaus forward Anthony Flores (#10) pulled an excellent fake in the corner which gave him just enough space to send in a dangerous cross. Freshman Nick Fairley (#19) placed himself in the perfect spot and headed the ball home to give Emmaus the 3-1 lead with 10 minutes to play. For the remainder of regulation the Emmaus defense fought and scrapped, carefully protecting their keeper and holding on for the well-deserved 3-1 victory.

"Our guys really showed up to play again today. That was pure team soccer as the defense held strong, the midfield defended and possessed well, and the forwards were dangerous all game. We capitalized on the opportunities we had, and we were stingy around our own goal. I am really proud of the way the guys stepped up and played for one another today. Faith is a tough team and it is no small task to beat them twice in a season, but no matter the outcome, the greatest joy for me is watching the young men from both teams play hard yet with character. The fellowship with Faith is something I really appreciate and it makes it a pleasure to play them." (Coach Brown)

Emmaus will be back in action (weather-permitting) as they take on the Red Devils of Eureka College with kickoff set for 3:30. The Eagles will look to avenge their earlier loss to the Red Devils who got the best of Emmaus early in the season with a 5-2 victory. Emmaus is 3-1-1 in its previous 5 matches and will be looking to add to their win column.