Eagles' Second-Ranked Defense Put to Test at Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kansas—A goal by the Manhattan Thunder with 30 seconds left in the game spoiled a potential outright regular season title for the Faith Eagles in a tight battle in Manhattan, Kansas, on Saturday. With the loss, the Eagles and Thunder split the regular season series, 1-1. It was the first conference loss of the year for Faith who now sits 2-1-2 in conference play; 5-4-2 overall. The Eagles have two regular season games remaining: one against Union College this Tuesday at 3 p.m. (Senior Day), and one final conference game against Emmaus Bible College on Saturday, October 22, at 2 p.m. in Ankeny.

Carson Odle put the Eagles on the scoreboard first on Saturday against the Thunder with an assist from James Busenitz at the 14:40 mark, giving the Eagles momentum and a spark that looked like it may carry the team to its second win over Manhattan this season. With five minutes to go before halftime, Manhattan answered with a goal of their own by Chris Smith III.

The second half featured Faith's rock-solid defense. Faith ranks number two in the nation in scoring defense, surrendering just 1.09 goals per game. Following a pair of shots by the Eagles with two minutes remaining to seal a victory, Manhattan made one final charge, scoring the game-winning goal on a deflection off an Eagles defender with just 30 seconds remaining.

Faith looks to finish the season strong this week and will still have the opportunity to win the school's first men's conference soccer tournament title during the last weekend in October. A potential rubber match with Manhattan looms large.