Box Score Despite dominating play most of the game, the final result was tight for the Royals when they shut out Emory & Henry 1-0 in their ODAC opener Saturday afternoon in Harrisonburg.
Eastern Mennonite jumped ahead just 11:22 into the game with a score coming off a free kick. Defender Jared Ross (Sarasota, FL/Sarasota Christian) launched the kick from inside of midfield and Brent Yoder (Sarasota, FL/Sarasota Christian) took a header. The Wasps' goalie made a save, but the ball deflected right to forward Mitchell Leap (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite) who knocked it in for a 1-0 lead.
The men continued to get great looks out-shooting EHC 14-4 in the first half, but it stayed a one-goal game at the intermission.
As time ticked away and EMU wasn't able to get any breathing room, Emory & Henry nearly tied the contest. In the 83rd minute, the Wasps' Luis Peralta ripped a shot which skimmed off of keeper Patrick Fox's (Virginia Beach, VA/Kempsville) fingers. As the ball rolled towards the EMU net, Bryce Shank (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite) swooped in and knocked it away, preserving the lead.
The visitors had another attempt sail high in the final minute as the Royals held on for the shutout victory.
EMU had a 22-8 edge in shots, including 9-2 on goal. Fox finished with one save and his second shutout of the season.
The Royals improve to 3-4-1 overall and 1-0 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. They are on the road this Tuesday, playing at Washington & Lee with a 4:00 start time.
