SPRING ARBOR, Mich. — Eastern Oregon University (RV) Men's Soccer battled back from an early deficit, but (RV) Spring Arbor University scored twice in the second half to hand the Mountaineers a 3-1 defeat Saturday afternoon.
Spring Arbor struck just 57 seconds into the match, timing its shot as EOU's goalkeeper came out of the net in an attempt to clear the ball. Both teams continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, working their way into the attacking third and challenging the opposing defenses.
Henry Lopez nearly found the equalizer in the ninth minute, but his attempt was blocked. The Mountaineers' pressure finally paid off in the closing seconds of the first half.
JJ Gallardo played the ball upfield to Lopez, who took a shot from just above the penalty arc and found the back of the net to even the match at 1-1 heading into halftime.
Eastern Oregon carried that momentum into the opening minutes of the second half. Lopez recorded another shot early in the half, while Gallardo later forced a save from the Spring Arbor goalkeeper as the Mountaineers continued to search for the go-ahead goal.
Spring Arbor, however, regained the lead in the 57th minute. The Cougars utilized a long, bouncing pass and capitalized on an EOU miscue, finding the back of the net to take a 2-1 advantage. Less than three minutes later, Spring Arbor added another goal to extend its lead to 3-1.
The Mountaineers continued to battle for a way back into the match.
Taylor Pierce and
Edwin Anguiano each recorded second-half chances, while Gallardo added another header late in the match. Spring Arbor's defense held firm, however, preserving the 3-1 final.
Eastern Oregon finished with 11 shots, including three on goal, while Spring Arbor recorded 14 shots with eight on target.
Victor Melendez made four saves in goal for the Mountaineers.
With the loss, Eastern Oregon moves to 0-1-1 on the season. The Mountaineers will return to action Monday, Sept. 7, against the University of Northwestern Ohio, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.
