Emmaus Men’s Soccer Kicks Off Season With Resounding

The Eagles soccer team got their season underway Saturday morning with a massive 9-0 home victory over Baptist Bible College of Springfield, MO.

The game started off very even, with Emmaus controlling most of the possession. The Eagles had several early chances, including an open-goal miss as well as a penalty kick missed wide left. Captain Elijah Barsness eventually opened up the scoring on 23 minutes with a well placed shot from outside the penalty area. Five minutes later, Emmaus doubled their lead when freshman midfielder Carson McBain set up Sami Gitonga for a fantastic team goal. Gitonga would score twice more with goals just either side of half time.

The second half saw every healthy Emmaus player get quality time. In total, seven new players were able to make their debut, with three of those debutants able to take home a goal to show for it. Defender Jake Taylor was the first freshman to score, nodding an Anthony Flores corner kick home to make it 5-0 on 55 minutes. Shortly later, freshman Nick Fairley connected with former Tri-State Christian School teammate Ben Backes for a great goal. Gabe Salinas and freshman Brandon Young were able to knock in a couple short-range goals before freshman Mason McCarl's wonderful outside-the-boot bender finished the scoring on 83 minutes.

Coach Brown was elated with the result, saying "I love to see that kind of team soccer. We had 7 scorers and a clean sheet. I loved to see everyone getting involved and serving one another." Goalkeeper Erik Rasmussen had 2 saves and combined with Mitchell Patzka to hold the shut out.

The Eagles return to action Friday afternoon with a home match against North Central Univ. before traveling to Eureka Univ. on Saturday.