Box Score Needing just a win or tie on the road at Lynchburg on Saturday, the Eastern Mennonite men got what they needed, notching a 1-1 tie to clinch a top two seed in the ODAC Tournament.
It was a crazy opening 20 minutes to the game, as each team scored a goal and changed its keeper. LC scored first, getting a goal from Josh Hinkle in the 12th minute.
The Royals dominated the next few minutes and got a quick equalizer in the 19th minute, when Philip Yoder (Keezletown, VA/Eastern Mennonite) hit his second goal of the season with an assist from forward Mitchell Leap (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite).
The men continued to attack the defensive-minded Hornets but couldn't take the lead. Despite holding a 21-14 advantage in shots, including a deciding 11-3 edge on goal, the Royals had to settle for the tie. EMU even fired seven shots to LC's three in the overtime sessions.
Defender Jared Ross (Sarasota, FL/Sarasota Christian) aided the attack with six shots. Barkot Akalu (Addis Abeba, Ethiopia/Lycee Guebre Mariam) put up five shots.
Freshman Andrew Yoder (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite) took over in goal after the Hornets' score and played the final 99 minutes with two saves.
The decision seals Eastern Mennonite as the second seed in the upcoming ODAC Tournament, which starts next week Saturday. With a conference mark of 6-2-1, good for 19 points, the Royals hold home-field advantage through the semifinals.
EMU wraps up its regular season on Tuesday at 4:00 pm at rival Bridgewater.
