3rd Place at MCCC Tournament
Ankeny, IA - October 28, 2023
On a frigid day in Ankeny, IA, Emmaus Bible College secured a 1-0 victory against the Ozark Christian College Ambassadors in the 3rd place match of the MCCC Tournament. The game saw the Eagles produce a workman-like and professional performance, in the face of missing six players on the second day of the tournament.
Kaleb Pogany made his first collegiate start in goal, finishing with three crucial saves to earn the shutout, and the Eagles banded together under challenging circumstances, earning the team's second clean sheet of the season.
In the first half, Jacob Davis and Kenny Crum started at forward and the duo created a number of chances. Bennett Kreiner was dispatched to the right wing, and Josiah Miller made his first career start at right back, with both contributing in possession and Kreiner generating crosses. However, the first half ended scoreless at 0-0.
The second half witnessed sustained pressure from Emmaus, culminating in a breakthrough moment in the 75th minute through Josh Matte. Matte, scoring his second goal of the tournament, skillfully controlled a flighted ball from Kreiner, shook off two defenders, and curled in a powerful right-footed shot from the left side into the upper-ninety.
In the game's final moments, Pogany made a crucial save by diving right and tipping the ball just wide of the post, securing the winning save for the Eagles.
After the match, Head Coach Chris McHugh expressed pride in the team's performance. "I'm really proud of the guys today. Josiah Miller was excellent on the right side, and our defense held up solidly in front of Kaleb. We had lots of good moments from Bennett, Edwin, and Jacob today, and then ultimately Josh got us across the finish line with that shot. He had a great weekend, and we're excited to compete at the Regional Tournament next weekend."
Up next: NCCAA Midwest Regional Tournament in Watertown, WI. Emmaus vs. Maranatha Baptist University in Semifinal #1 on Friday, Nov. 3 at 12:30pm.