HARRISONBURG, Va. – On a sunny and windy Wednesday afternoon, the EMU Royals and the Bridgewater Eagles renewed their annual Route 42 Rivalry in men's soccer.
In a dramatic contest, it is the host Royals who came out on top, triumphing 2-1 over the Eagles for a critical three points in the ODAC table.
Josiah King was the hero of the afternoon for EMU, heading a corner kick from
Matt Arledge past the Bridgewater keeper to break the stalemate and lift the home team to victory.
Records: EMU 5-4-4, 1-2-1 ODAC | Bridgewater 6-3-3, 2-2 ODAC
Highlights
- 2' | It did not take long for the action to get started. Logan Darrow sent a long throw into the box, which bounced in front of the net and eventually in off of the foot of a Bridgewater defender. The own goal gave the Royals a very early 1-0 edge.
- 11' | Bridgewater did not hesitate to respond. Riley Queen sent a chance that got deflected in by Trey Widrick to even the score at 1-1 between the rivals. That score held up throughout halftime and most of the second half.
- 87' | With the time winding down, Matt Arledge sent up for a corner kick on the near the Royals' bench. The corner kick found the head of King, who placed it top shelf to send the Rowdy Royals into a frenzy and give EMU the 2-1 lead. Bridgewater could not muster an equalizer, and the celebration was on for the home crowd.
- The victory marks EMU's first win in the Route 42 Rivalry since 2019, snapping a four-game skid against the Eagles.
- King's goal is his team-leading fifth goal of the season, which ties him for fifth in the ODAC in that category.
Statistical Leaders
Goals: King (1)
Assists: M. Arledge (1)
Saves: A. Arledge (4)
What's Next
The EMU Men's Soccer team will host its Homecoming Game at the Turf Field this Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. The Royals will do battle with the reigning ODAC champions from Lynchburg.
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.
