DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle men's soccer team faced Florida Southern for its homecoming match at the ERAU Soccer Stadium on Saturday night.
 
After a competitive first half that saw ERAU (2-7-1, 1-6-1 Sunshine State Conference) play head-to-head with the Mocs, the Eagles were unable to repeat their efforts in the second half. Florida Southern (11-2-0, 5-2-0 SSC), who is receiving votes in the Top 25, rattled off four goals in the second half after being held scoreless for the first 45 minutes.
 
Neither team was able to gain an advantage in the first half. Possession was nearly even for both teams, as the squads tried to feel out the others' defense. Only four shots were attempted by both teams in the first half.
 
Florida Southern's best chance came on a free kick towards the tail end of the half. The shot from Georg Michajlov curved around the Eagle wall, but it was saved by Gudmundur Sigurbjornsson.
 
ERAU tried to beat the first half buzzer, when Alex O'Brien led the Eagle counter-attack with just seconds left before halftime. It looked like the Blue and Gold had numbers in the box, but O'Brien's cross was unable to find a teammate.
 
The Mocs wasted no time taking control in the second half. Pablo Gallo Arias shot found the back of the net three minutes after play restarted to give Florida Southern a 1-0 lead. James Meehan was credited with the assist.
 
Roberto Whitley tried to answer for ERAU, but his header off a corner kick went wide of goal. Minutes later, Florida Southern would extend its lead to 2-0 after a free kick from Claus Lehland set up a header for Daniel Moore.
 
The Mocs did not stop as a shot from Meehan would take advantage of an open net and sneak just across the goal line before the Eagles center back could intercept the shot. Martin Wall would put the game away with his first goal of the season, as Florida Southern would go on to win 4-0.
 
As time winded down, the Eagles tried to avoid the shutout, but had no luck against the Florida Southern defense. Tim-Frederik Lange had an opportunity to put the Eagles on the board with eight minutes left, but his shot was saved.
 
ERAU was outshot 13-7 in the match. Teddy West led the Eagle attack in shots.
 
The Blue and Gold's next match is a non-conference affair at Flagler. The game in St. Augustine, Fla., will kickoff at 7 p.m.