Patience Pays as Eagles Earn First Win

Springfield, MO - For the second time, in as many seasons, the Emmaus Eagles came away with a 2-1 victory over Baptist Bible College.

With the wind at their backs in the first half, the Eagles purposed to play patient team soccer from the start. The Patriots of Baptist Bible College, eager to avenge last year's ACCA tournament loss, entered the game with a determination to press the attack early. The Eagles were ready, however, and for the most part prevented any dangerous shots from reaching their goal. The Eagles patient attack was awarded in the 11^th minute when Anthony Flores (#10) received a through ball into the 18, which he then flicked across the goal to forward Samuel Gitonga (#6). Gitonga, with the defense tight on him, made the extra pass to junior Joe Olson (#3), who side stepped a defender and scored from the edge of the six yard box.

The rest of the half saw the Eagles continue to play patient soccer as they managed to win 7 corner kicks, though they were not able to convert for a second goal.

The Patriots started the 2^nd half well, working the ball around in possession and creating several dangerous opportunities. The Eagle defense was up to the task, however, and made several close saves. In the 53^rd minute, goal-scorer Joe Olson won a free kick and played a perfect ball to the back post where midfielder Ryan Bell (#9) skillfully settled the ball to his right foot and beat the Patriot keeper to the near post for the 2-0 lead.

The Patriots are not a team to quit, however, and pulled back with a goal in the 64^th minute when forward D. Mills (#13) directed a header into the goal off of an Emmaus deflection.

The final 25 minutes of the game saw both teams battle back and forth. Eagle keeper Erik Rasmussen (#00) made a key save in the 75^th minute on an open look by Mills. With ten minutes to play the Eagles nearly added to their lead when Gabriel Salinas (#5) delivered a dangerous cross to Ryan Bell, who headed the ball just over the crossbar.

With neither team able to convert the 2-1 score line stood. The win marked the Eagles' first of the year as they improved to one and one on the season. Eagle goalkeeper Rasmussen recorded 14 saves on the day and the Eagles prevailed, despite being outshot 23-13.

"I was really proud of the way the guys played today. When we played BBC last year we won in fairly sloppy fashion with little control. For good portions of the game today we showed patience and control, taking advantage of the opportunities available to us. The defense played well together, the midfield was tenacious and patient, and our offense took advantage of their opportunities. I am proud of their efforts and excited to see how we match up with some of our conference opponents in the coming weeks" (Coach Brown).

The Eagles will be back in action today in Lincoln, Illinois versus the much improved Lions of Lincoln Christian University.  Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.