Box Score Riding a wave of three big ODAC victories, the Eastern Mennonite men's soccer team hit the road for another crucial contest Friday night, playing at conference-leading Roanoke. The Royals were left with room to grow, as RC was in control and handed the men a 3-0 defeat.
The two teams took some time to find the rhythm of the contest early on, with EMU's Barkot Akalu (Addis Abeba, Ethiopia/Lycee Guebre Mariam) getting the first shot on goal in the 11th minute.
The Maroons dominated the next few minutes, and got the game's first score when AJ Tierce stuck in a header after a corner kick in the 17th minute.
The Royals came right back, and Akalu slipped a shot past the keeper in the 22nd minute, but a Roanoke defender was there to knock the ball away and keep EMU off the board.
It stayed 1-0 until the second half, when Roanoke scored just 2:17 into the period for a 2-0 lead. Another 14 minutes later, Brian White scored his second goal to make it 3-0.
Eastern Mennonite had a couple more looks at the goal, but couldn't hit the net in the loss.
The Maroons had a 15-6 edge in shots, including 9-3 in goal. They also earned a 7-2 edge in corners.
Akalu finished with a pair of shots on goal while Kevin Chico (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite) also had two shots. Defender Jared Ross (Sarasota, FL/Sarasota Christian) had the other shot on goal.
Patrick Fox (Virginia Beach, VA/Kempsville) started the game in the net and was charged with all three goals and four saves.
EMU slips to 5-6-1 with the loss and takes their first defeat in the ODAC at 3-1. The men return home for their next contest, hosting Hampden-Sydney Wednesday night.
