Emmaus Alumni Find Way to Win

The Emmaus men's soccer team returned to action Saturday afternoon versus one of the strongest alumni teams from recent history. With temperatures hovering around 90 degrees, the alumni squad, made up of players from at least 3 decades, followed the advice of veteran coach Doc. Fish and played patient soccer. The current Emmaus team, coached by Cliff Conrad, entered the game with a similar strategy, knowing that wearing out the alumni would be one of their prime advantages.

The first half saw both teams go back and forth with a few solid buildups, but little to show for it on the shooting end. With about 20 minutes to go in the half alumni Mark Messerly (2007-08) fired a strong effort on goal that keeper Erik Rasmussen (#00) carefully steered wide.

The tie was finally broken in the 39^th minute when Josh Volgarino settled a rebounded shot at the top of the 18 and saw his second effort go off the hand of an Eagle defender in the box. Micah Barsness (2009-13) stepped up for the alumni and buried the penalty kick (a feat his brother Elijah had achieved the week before versus Grace University).  The half ended with the alumni ahead by a goal.

The second half saw the alumni start quickly as Travis Holtan (2011-14) won the endline on several occasions, nearly connecting passes on the back post. The student team settled in, however, and began to possess the ball, occasionally making some dangerous runs through the middle.

An equalizer was not to be found, however. With only 20 minutes to go, alumni Travis Holtan heeded Doc. Fish's encouragement to "be selfish" and managed to bury a tough angle shot from the endline.

With a renewed sense of energy, the Eagles continued to press the attack and nearly scored on two occasions. The first effort, off of a corner, required alumni defender Craig Raymond (2006-10) to clear the ball off the line. The second close call came when forward Samuel Gitonga (#6) settled a ball in the box, which he then laid off for teammate Anthony Flores (#10). Flores saw his tough angled shot roll just wide of the post. The score would stand as the alumni squad, fueled by a deeply experienced defense, achieved the shutout.

"Both teams played hard today, especially considering the heat. It was a great opportunity for fellowship on the field as a new generation of Emmaus soccer players were able to rub shoulders with and learn from the previous generation of players. I thought we did a few things well and I am encouraged that there is room to grow. The season is early and this was a helpful game for assessing some of the strengths and weaknesses of the team. Next weekend will be a great test!"

The Eagles will be back in action for their first back to back set of games on Friday (11^th) and Saturday (12^th) against Baptist Bible College (Springfield, MO) and Lincoln Christian University (Lincoln, IL). The games will mark the first for the Eagles on the road this season.