Busenitz Scores Twice as Eagles Defeat Thunder

Ankeny, IA - On Saturday, the Eagles went on the road to face their conference rivals, the Thunder from Manhattan Christian College. In their last meeting, the Eagles were able to defeat the Thunder to claim the conference title in 2022. With conference title bragging rights on the line, the game lived up to the hype. 

The 1st half was neck and neck as both teams had scoring chances. The Thunder were able to strike first in the 33rd minute as midfielder Cristian Gutierrez (assisted by Riuben Basubeche) scored a laser from 20 yards out. In the 39th minute, the Eagles responded with a goal of their own as midfielder Grant Busenitz connected on a header off of a beautiful corner kick from defensive back Parker Lundberg. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1.

The 2nd half was owned by the Eagles. In the 55th minute, the Thunder accidentally scored on their own goal as they tried to clear a dangerous cross putting the score at 2-1. The Thunder gave the Eagles a few scares as the Thunder had numerous shots on goal including one that ricocheted off the goal post. Nonetheless, the Eagles were able to fend off the Thunder's counters as midfielder Grant Busenitz sealed the win in the 82nd minute scoring his 2nd goal of the game (assisted by Will Holst) making the score 3-1. 

Because of a strong team defensive performance and stellar scoring from Grant Busenitz, the Eagles earned their first conference win of the season, improving to 2-1-1 (1-0 in conference). The Eagles are back in conference action this weekend as they have a doubleheader on the road against the Warriors from Calvary University on Friday at 3 pm CDT and the Ambassadors from Ozark College on Saturday at 1 pm CDT.