Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University issued the following announcement on Oct. 5.
In a rare regular-season rematch, the Embry-Riddle men's soccer team was unable to exact revenge as the Eagles were defeated 2-0 by Florida Tech for the second time in two weeks. The Panthers also won back in Melbourne on Sept. 22.
A pair of Embry-Riddle players received their first starts of the season in Pierce Strong and Anthony Velez. The two, along with the other nine starters, were tested right from the beginning as Florida Tech went on the offensive early.
The Panthers took six shots in the first 23 minutes before one eventually crossed the goal line. A strong defensive line by the Eagles was broken when a shot deflected off the left post and bounced to Florida Tech's Ian Leighton. He lifted his leg up and shot the ball into the open net for the only score of the first half.
After the first 45 minutes, the Eagles trailed 10-0 in the shot column but only faced a one-goal deficit.
Collins Maude recorded Embry-Riddle's first shot, and it nearly was the equalizer. A Panther misdirected a cross into the box, which sent Florida Tech's keeper out of the net in an attempt to gain control. Unaware of Maude's position, the goaltender left an open net for the forward. Maude leaped and headed the ball toward the goal, but it was slapped away just inches away from crossing the line.
In the 86th minute, the deficit grew for the Eagles. A penalty kick was awarded to Florida Tech following a foul inside the penalty area. Embry-Riddle's goalie Jack Crichton made an outstanding save on the attempt when he dove to his right and blocked the shot with his hand. However, the Panthers came rushing in, gathered the deflected shot, and scored anyways for a 2-0 lead and win.
Collins Maude, Sergio Monteiro and Noah Sims each recorded one shot for the Eagles. Jack Crichton tied his season-high in saves with four.
Embry-Riddle hits the road for the next two matches but will return home on Oct. 20 for a 7 p.m. match against Palm Beach Atlantic.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up