Early Mistake, Late Goal Cost Eagle's the #1 Seed

Early Mistake, Late Goal Cost Eagle's the #1 Seed

Team Stats

October 3, 2014
The Eagle men dropped a 2-0 decision to North Central University this past Tuesday. The Eagles entered the contest needing only a win or a tie to secure their first #1 seed in the region in several years, but a costly mistake early, and an inability to possess the ball in the second half cost the Eagles that chance. Faith is now 6-3-1 on the year.
The Eagles started strong as they were possessing the ball well and creating chances on North Central's end of the field, but lost possession momentarily in the 8th minute and gave up a a penalty kick as they scrambled in transition defending.  Giving up the early goal did not slow the Eagles attack as they out shot North Central 8-3 in the first half including a shot of the crossbar and several dangerous crosses they were unable to connect on on the other end.  
The second half was much different as Faith struggled to possess the ball and create any reasonable scoring opportunities until they gave up a second goal in the 68th minute off a failed clearance.  They began to show life in the final 10 minutes but still could not get a ball in the back of the net as they fell in their bid for a regular season region championship 2-0.
The Eagles have time to regroup as they do not play again until Oct. 11th at Lincoln Christian.  The loss dropped the Eagles to second place in the NCCAA II North Central Region and will force them into a semifinal rematch against Providence University College on Tuesday, October 28th in Minneapolis, MN.