DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Embry-Riddle played its last exhibition game before starting the regular season on Saturday evening against Daytona State. It was a closely contested affair the entire way through, but the Eagles fell by a final score of 3-2 to the Falcoms.
 
Ranked fifth in NJCAA preseason rankings, Daytona State got the scoring started early in the first period. Davinson Mera scored on a cross from the left side by Joe O'sullivan to put the Falcons up 1-0.
 
The Eagles would not go quietly as they evened the score in the 19^th minute thanks to a header by Daniel Gylfason. Julian Slotty assisted the Gylfason goal via his free kick from about 20 yards out.
 
The Falcons would regain the lead with a header by Sonley Cius from an assist by Emmanuel Perez late in the first half.
 
Daytona State increased the lead to 3-1 with an early goal in the second half. Marko Tomic set up Creggton Charlton for a shot from the top of the box to extend the cushion.
 
Embry-Riddle would cut the deficit midway through the second half, with Gylfason tallying his second goal of the contest. Teddy West set up Gylfason on a cross from the right side, putting the ball right in front of the goal for the Gylfasson finish.
 
The Eagles had opportunities late to even the score, but were not able to overcome the deficit and fell 3-2.
 
Richard Dearle was solid between the posts for the Eagles, tallying five saves in the contest and only allowing one of the three goals scored by Daytona State.
 
The Eagles return to action on Thursday, August 31^st, in the first official NCAA game for Embry-Riddle. The Eagles will go up against Francis Marion at the Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium with first touch set to come at 7 p.m.