The Eagles Battle to WIN 1-0 Against St. Andrews in Conference Opener

Waleska, GA - The Men's soccer team come into the game with St. Andrews looking to pick up where they left off against DII, Shorter University. Last year it was a close fought affair with the Knights taking it home, but this year they're coming to the Nest, and the Eagles are sure to make it a fiery affair, with a score of 1-0

Tempers were clear from the start with a yellow being issued for St. Andrews before the first whistle could even sound. St. Andrews started out with primary control, holding the ball with their characteristic good footwork and solid ball movement, but Reinhardt held their ground and found their way into the game once they let the ball start doing the work. This was only possible through the efforts of Eber Sosa who was constantly ebbing and flowing into the open space and away from his mark. The Knights would end up getting the first shot on target of the game from just inside the box, but Allan Tercjak, current defensive player of the week, would see it all the way out. The Eagles would fire back in the 19th minute with a cheeky backheel from Evan Deyou of a cross from Weyman Mabuya, but it was easily collected by the Knights goalie. The rest of the first half would continue to be a tight race until the whistle.

​Reinlights of the first half:​

​Reinhardt came out with more energy and intensity, pushing back on the Knights with consistent pressure and attacks straight through the middle. This pressure would eventually lead to a one vs one for George Kambambe, a first year Eagle, but the Knight defender did well to recover with a slide tackle in the last second. The game would continue to be played out piece by piece with it becoming increasingly clear that it would be decided by the most delicate of margins. John Simmons came on with 27 left on the clock and made an instant impact with a shot that rattled into the side of the net. Nearly, but not enough. 0-0 with a quarter of the game remaining. The deadlock would be broken less than three minutes later with a header from Ivan Patta being pounced on by a flying Weyman Mabuya into the back of the net! 1-0 Reinhardt! After that, the path seemed clear. Attempt after attempt would consistently arrive for Reinhardt with the offside flag being the greatest nemesis of the team. Still, it seemed the goal rejuvenated the lads and saw them find their identity once more. 15 to go. The rest of the half would see Reinhardt dominate till the last whistle. Exhausted, dirty jerseys, and turf in their boots but a win against a difficult opponent would see all of that forgotten by the final whistle.

Reinlights of the second half: