HARRISONBURG, Va.  – After a week to prepare, the EMU Men's Soccer Team were ready to defend the EMU Turf Field against Randolph in their Homecoming game. It also doubled as Senior Day as Head Coach Justin Carey and the entire men's soccer team honored graduating seniors Andrew Arledge, Matt Arledge, Logan Darrow, Itzar Mejia Arteaga, Dima Portillo, Edwin Rios, and Chris Santisteban prior to kick-off.

Once the game got going, it was an exciting, back-and-forth affair that ultimately culminated in a 2-1 win for the Royals as they picked a critical three points in the ODAC table.

Records: EMU 6-2-5, 1-1-2 ODAC | Randolph 3-7-3, 1-3 ODAC

Highlights

• The first half was dead even between the Royals and the WildCats as both sides mustered seven shots apiece but could not find the back of the net.
• 55' | It was the homestanding Royals who broke the seal on the scoring early in the second half. Hamidullah Tokhi made a run from the right side and into the box. His cross was then flicked on by Iverson Garcia on to Oliver Rivera, who hammered it home with his right foot to put EMU up 1-0.
• 61' | The home crowd did not have to wait long to get loud for another EMU goal. Fernando Ventura took the ball away from a Randolph defender, passed it on to Kane Kiernan, who then centered it for Yan Cesar who booted the ball in with his right foot as the Royals went up 2-0.
• 70' | However, Randolph refused to go down without a comeback effort, with Sage Dombrovskis scoring from close range to cut EMU's lead in half at 2-1.
• The WildCats continued to apply pressure on the Royals net in the waning minutes, but senior goalkeeper Andrew Arledge and the back line held strong until the final whistle.

Statistical Leaders
Goals: Cesar, Rivera (1)
Assists: Garcia, Tokhi, Kiernan, Ventura (1)
Saves: A. Arledge (2)

What's Next
The EMU Men's Soccer Royals will head to the eastern part of the state for a mid-week ODAC match at Virginia Wesleyan. Opening kick versus the Marlins is set for 6 p.m.