Attacking Eagles Come up Short in One Goal Game

Dubuque, IA - The Eagles were back in action Saturday, against the Saints of Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO). Coming off their come-from-behind victory the night before, the Eagles were eager for more.

The opening minutes of the game saw some nervousness from both sides and a few shots hit the side netting. While Emmaus struggled to find feet early, the Saints struck a crucial blow in the 10^th minute when Miguel Gudino (#7) found freshman Hunter Chadwell (#10) over the top for a one-on-one chance with the keeper that he calmly slotted home.

The remainder of the half saw the Eagles continue to look for feet and occasionally connect for some dangerous attacks down the flanks. They were unable to equalize before the break, however, despite firing 15 shots.

Like the night before, the Eagles were determined to make up for their one goal deficit in the second half. Stringing some passes together and using width, it seemed just a matter of time before they would be rewarded with a goal. The Saints, however, playing compact defense with numbers behind the ball, were up to the task and cleared attack after attack out of their box. With 12 minutes to go in the game, it looked like the Eagles might equalize when the Saints keeper was forced to come out for a ball. Despite a strong effort, Anthony Flores (#10) saw his off-balance shot sail wide and high.

The Eagles gave it their all to the final whistle, even forcing a big save in the final minute, but it was not to be as the Saints held on for the 1-0 victory.

"We knew it would be a tough match going into the game. CCCB is well-coached and they played to their strengths. Today it paid off for them. I was proud of the way our guys fought to the whistle and kept their heads despite some adversity. No one likes to lose a game that they dominate so clearly on offense, but we can look forward to a possible re-match in the conference tournament. On a brighter note, the fellowship before and after the game was sweet. Saints head coach Brent Messimer is a classy guy and I trust both teams grew from the experience playing together." (Coach Brown)

The Eagles outshot the Saints 26-7 over the course of the game and 23 to 3 over the final 80 minutes. They will look to rebound from this game next weekend as they continue conference play against Ozark Christian College (Joplin, MO) and Calvary Bible College (Kansas City, MO) on Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27^th.