Eagles Win in Return Home Over Bryan (Tenn.)
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
WALESKA, Ga. – It was another hard-fought contest within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) against Bryan (Tenn.) Wednesday night, as men's soccer used two first-half goals to hold off the Lions in a 2-1 victory under the lights at Ken White Field at University Stadium.
With the win, the Eagles improved to 3-0 – and 3-0 in the AAC – in their return to Waleska for the first time since Sept. 23.
"It was good to back home for a match for the first time in a month," head coach Joey Johnson said. "Coach Davidson's guys put in a tremendous effort as expected, and I wish them the best moving forward with their season. We look forward to continuing our development as a team as we seek improvement in the days ahead."
Gian-Luca Fahling was in a passing mood on this night, as he was responsible for finding his teammates on both goals in the first 27th minutes. He first found a streaking Aaron Whitten at 11:08 before Reinhardt doubled its lead compliments of a line drive off the foot of Rafael Pais (26:25).
Halftime came and went as both clubs had scoring opportunities but couldn't capitalize. Momentum was then grabbed by the visitors in the second half following numerous corner kick attempts by Joao Paulo Lima Pinheiro – who curled in the final try of the series for a score – and cut Bryan's deficit to 2-1.
The Lions would only tally four total shots in the matchup, but would be there until the end after they slowed the Eagles to only 11 of their own. Bryan would have three chances to tie in the final 45 minutes, but couldn't come through with the necessary score.
Whitten led all players with a half-dozen attempts in the positive outcome.
The team gets right back at it on Saturday at 5 p.m. against Montreat (N.C.) at home.
For up-to-the-minute Eagles sports news, follow Reinhardt Athletics on Facebook, @RU_Eagles on Twitter and @ru_eagles on Instagram.
For more information on Reinhardt Men's Soccer, please click here.