WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – An early goal was not enough for the Embry-Riddle men's soccer team Wednesday night, as they were defeated by 22nd-ranked Palm Beach Atlantic by a score of 6-1.
 
Embry-Riddle (3-7-0, 2-5-0) once again tallied the first goal of the evening, as in the 25th minute Alex O'Brien found his mark on a set piece from just outside the penalty area. His shot snuck inside the left post and eluded the reach of netminder Patrick Nettekoven for his first goal of the season and fourth of his career.
 
Palm Beach Atlantic (9-2-2, 3-2-2) responded in the 32nd minute, as following a foul, Gian Scalise played a free kick into the box for Guillermo Deal who quickly redirected it to Mo Redjeb, whose off-balance shot found the back of net to even the score at 1-1.
 
The Sailfish scored again 10 minutes later, as Thomas Spear was able to head a ball over everyone into the top left corner on a long pass from Scalise for the go-ahead goal to take a 2-1 lead into the intermission.
 
The Sailfish toushot the Eagles in the first period 7-4, as PBA held a 3-1 edge in shots on goal. Six cautions were issued in a physical first 45 minutes of play.
 
In the second half, PBA came out on the attack, scoring twice in the first five minutes to extend their lead. In the 48th minute, Cadu Cusatis scored on a ball played ahead by Deal to make it a 3-1 contest. Moments later, a quick give and go inside the box from Deal to Nicolas Le Metayer resulted in the fourth goal of the game for the Sailfish.
 
PBA found the net again in the 54th minute, as after a foul by the Eagles just inside the penalty area, Claudio Rivadeneira converted the ensuing penalty kick to make it a 5-1 game.
 
The Sailfish ended the evening with their sixth goal of the contest with less than a minute remaining in regulation, as Nicholas Boucher headed in a corner kick from Blake Barribeau to conclude the scoring.
 
Embry-Riddle was held to just five shots in the contest, while Palm Beach Atlantic managed 27 and held an 12-1 advantage in shots on goal.
 
Goalkeeper Jack Crichton recorded six saves for the night, while O'Brien, Tim-Frederik Lange, Gardar Benediktsson, Olav Olsen Aamlid and Jesse Williams accounted for all shots taken by the Blue and Gold in the contest.
 
The Eagles will return to Daytona Beach for their final home match of the season on Saturday as they will host third-ranked Lynn University. Kick-off is set for 7 PM at the Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium. The four seniors on this year's team will be honored during a halftime ceremony.