Injury-Ridden Eagles Struggle Against Speedy Thunder

Manhattan, KS - The Emmaus Eagles made the long trek down to Manhattan, Kansas this weekend to take on the Thunder of Manhattan Christian College. The game kicked off at 3:30 pm on a beautiful fall day with a well-worn, rock hard pitch.

The Thunder, who are in the running for the conference regular season title, looked to spread the Eagles out early in the match and were rewarded when Wilson (#11) won a through ball up the left flank and found teammate Velasco (#9), who swiftly tapped the ball into the goal from 3 yards out.

The Emmaus defense, once again shocked awake by the goal, began to "up their scrap" as they made life difficult for Manhattan. Unfortunately, they struggled to settle the ball down to possess as Manhattan was able to keep the ball on the Eagle half. The Eagles offense was hindered still further when midfielder Sami Gotinga (#6) had to leave the game in the 20^th minute with a knee injury. The Eagles, hoping to minimize the damage and get to the break, were disappointed in the 42^nd minute when Manhattan's Hill (#19) stole a ball at the top of the 18 and fired a rocket into the left upper 90.

Trailing 2-0 at the half, the Eagles dug deep, purposing to play more aggressive. While they still struggled to settle the ball, they did apply new pressure on the Manhattan back line, forcing some dangerous turnovers. Unable to take advantage, however, the Eagles were stung in the 58^th minute when a controversial handball was called in the Emmaus box, leading to a Manhattan penalty kick that was put away by Paden Goucher (#12).

Behind by three, the Eagles continued to battle, holding for the rest of the game without defenders Timothy Barton (#8) and Kyle Pikaart (#11), who exited with knee and ankle injuries. Manhattan took advantage in the 77^th minute when Emmaus failed to clear a ball out of their own penalty box. After multiple defelctions, #16 Mike Flennniken managed to knock the ball through the Emmaus defensive line for a fourth goal. Two minutes later, Manhattan reserve Lewallen (#14) flicked a cross off his head and off the fingertips of keeper Erik Rasmussen (#00) for the final goal of the game.

"Manhattan is a talented team with a plethora of fast weapons. They caught us a bit flat to start the game and we just couldn't get any momentum going. Any time you give up 13 corner kicks in a game you can't expect to keep the ball out of the net. I know the guys played hard, and despite the loss, I expect them to rebound down the stretch. I won't lie, some health will help too! Today was a good opportunity to learn from mistakes and adversity. We are down, but not out!" (Coach Brown)

Emmaus will be back in action tomorrow (Saturday, October 9^th) against the Bears of Barclay College. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 AM.