HARRISONBURG, Va. – The EMU Men's Soccer team opened ODAC conference play on Wednesday, Sept. 20, with a trip to Roanoke College. The Royals were on a mission to go 1-0 in the ODAC, and they did exactly that with a dramatic 2-1 win over the Maroons on the strength of goals from Ford DeVault and Yan Cesar.

Records: EMU 4-2-1, 1-0 ODAC | Roanoke  2-4-1, 0-1 ODAC

Highlights

• The first half came and went with few scoring opportunities, as the Royals and Maroons combined for only one shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes, resulting in a 0-0 halftime score.
• 60' | Business picked up in the second half, and it was EMU that struck first. Simon Yoder intercepted the ball and then sent in a nice through ball to DeVault. DeVault entered the box and buried a shot in the top right corner of the net to put the Royals up 1-0.
• 73' | EMU added insurance to their lead when they sent a long ball into the box, and Cesar booted the ball past the Roanoke keeper to make it a 2-0 game in favor of the Royals.   
• 84' | However, the Maroons did not go down without a fight, as Kyle Butcher kicked one past Andrew Arledge to bring Roanoke within one.
• Shortly after their goal, the Maroons then went a man-up, peppering EMU with shots in the closing minutes. Arledge and the Royals defense held strong to preserve the win.
• With the win, EMU won their ODAC opener for the first time since 2018, and it is the Royals' first win over the Maroons since 2015.
• The Royals are on the upswing, having won three of their last four matches.

Statistical Leaders

Goals: DeVault, Cesar (1)

Shots: DeVault, Cesar, Josiah King (1)
 
Saves: Andrew Arledge (4)

What's Next
EMU Men's Soccer looks to continue their winning ways at home on Saturday, Sept. 23, when they host the Averett Cougars in ODAC play. The opening kick is set for 7 p.m.

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU men's soccer program this year, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.