MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle men's soccer team received a career-best performance in the net from Thomas Loesel, but the offensive woes sent the Eagles (0-1) home with a 1-0 defeat to Florida Tech (1-0) on Thursday at Rick Stottler Field.
 
ERAU's starting keeper Loesel was tested early on with a strong bouncing shot in the ninth minute. The sophomore dove to his right and deflected the ball over the net to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard.
 
Another 16 minutes came off the clock until the next scoring threat – another skipping shot from Florida Tech that Loesel denied. The Boca Raton, Florida, native stayed on his toes by catching a line drive a minute later for his third stop of the half.
 
The Eagles struggled offensively in the first 45 minutes, recording zero shots while the Panthers accumulated six. However, the Blue and Gold were even with Florida Tech in the scoring column.
 
In the second half, Embry-Riddle was able to push the ball across the midfield line more frequently but still had trouble getting through Florida Tech's defensive line. Fortunately, Loesel was able to keep the Eagles In the game with a massive diving stop with his right arm in the 62nd minute. The block bounced in front of the net to a Panther, but the keeper cut down on the shot angle and was about to deflect it away.
 
Embry-Riddle remained strong on defense until the 73rd minute. Florida Tech sent a set piece into the left side of the goalie box. A Panther headed the ball to within five feet of the ride side of the net where a second panther used his head to send it into the top right corner, which was the only score on the night.
 
At full time, the Eagles were outshot 14-0 but did have the edge in saves (8-0) thanks to Loesel's career-high eight stops.
 
Embry-Riddle stays on the road with a meeting at Rollins on Sunday, August 28 at 1 p.m. The 2022 Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer season is presented by Radiology Associates.