Kicking Until the End

Watertown, WI - November 3, 2023

In a well-contested semifinal clash in the NCCAA Midwest Region Tournament, Emmaus Bible College faced off against the Maranatha Baptist University Sabercats for the third time this season. Despite a determined effort and the return of previously injured players, the Eagles fell short, losing 2-1 in Watertown, Wisconsin.

The game saw both teams eager to gain an early lead, with Maranatha striking first through a headed corner kick goal in the 18th minute. The Sabercat goal ignited a 5-minute flurry that resulted in all three goals of the match.

Emmaus responded swiftly, earning a penalty kick in the 22nd minute after a Sabercat handball in the box. Cristian Anderson stepped up to the spot and calmly converted, leveling the score at 1-1. However, just two minutes later, following an Emmaus giveaway in midfield, Maranatha's forward, Michael Doese, seized the opportunity and struck a well-placed shot into the corner, reestablishing the Sabercat lead at 2-1 going into halftime.

The second half witnessed sustained pressure from the Eagles' front line of Anderson, Caleb Johnson, and Josh Matte. Despite generating waves of attack, including hitting the crossbar and having shots saved at the post, Emmaus couldn't find the equalizer.

With the loss, senior Zach Ort concluded an outstanding three-year career with Emmaus, and the Eagles' season ended with a final record of 6-5-3. Recognition followed the match, with five Emmaus Eagles earning regional honors. Josh Matte and Cristian Anderson earned 1st Team All-Region, while Caleb Hunter, Tucker Kapas, and Zach Ort received All-Region Honorable Mention.

Reflecting on the match and the season, Head Coach Chris McHugh expressed pride in the team's effort, saying, "Well, that is a tough way to go out, but I am very proud of our team. So many of our guys with injuries rehabbed well in order to be available for this game, and they gave their best effort. And for the whole of our season, this team was fun to coach and truly matured each week this year. We're thankful for Zach Ort's commitment to our program and all that he's invested over the past 4 years. I'm proud of him and glad that he could experience a season like this to finish his Emmaus career."