Men's Soccer Rolls into Post-Season

After stumbling on the road at North Central University in late September, the Eagle's Men's Soccer team knew they had to get back to what had made them successful early in the season, namely team play and team victories. The Eagles have done just that over the past two weeks, a they wrapped up their regular season with a successful road trip this past weekedn in Missouri. Faith faced off against Calvary Bible College and then travelled to Joplin, MO. A win at both places would guarantee the Eagles a regular season runner up finish in the conference, and a shot at the #2 seed at the upcoming conference tournament.

Faith started off in Kansas City against Calvary Bible College. The Eagles were able to get an early unassisted goal by Joseph Frerichs from 20 yards out in the 9th minute.  Faith had a few more scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize on them throughout the rest of the first half, keeping the score at 1-0 at the break.

In the 65th minute the Eagles were able to score as Frerichs played a ball to Aaron Jones to put in from outside the 18yd box.  Three minutes later Josh Bray stole a ball from the Warriors and put it past the keeper.  The Eagles were able to put the game out of reach as Frerichs cleverly back-healed a ball for Tui Hunkin to slot into the bottom corner of the net in the 83rd minute. Faith outshot Calvary 21-0 in the second half and 33-1 for the game.

The following day Faith traveled to Joplin, MO to take on #10 Ozark Christian College.  The Eagles had been playing well leading up to the game as they were on a three game winning streak and had outshot opponents by over 100 shots during those games, but Ozark was a much tougher opponent.

Both teams were evenly matched and we're getting opportunities early, but Faith was able to get on the scoreboard first when Marcus Wilkes dished off a pass to Aaron Jones who hit a knuckleball past the goalkeeper from 25yds away in the 26th minute.  The Eagles were able to get a second goal five minutes before halftime as captain Zach Peterson served a free kick from half field to Tui Hunkin who flicked it to Josh Bray to put in.  Faith outshot Ozark 12-6 and took a two goal lead into the break.

The second half was evenly matched with both teams getting chances, but Faith had more possession of the ball and were able to get the clinching goal in the 65th minute as Bray put in the rebound off Wilkes' shot for his fifth goal of the week.  The Eagles were able to get all their subs in and come away with the 3-0 road victory in their final regular season match.

The Eagles will await the seeding assignments to know the match ups and start times for the MCCC tournament in St. Louis next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (10/23-25).  The win improves the Eagles to 10-3-1 on the year and 4-1-1 in the conference.