DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — RV Embry-Riddle (9-2-3, 5-1-2) fell to No. 16 Flagler (10-1-4, 9-0-1) 2-1 Wednesday at Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium.
A much anticipated matchup between two programs that have found success this season against strong competition. The Eagles entered the match 2-0-1 against nationally ranked opponents while the Saints also boasted a 1-1-1 record in such games. Embry-Riddle entered the game in their second consecutive week receiving votes while Flagler recently moved up to the No. 16 position in the country. It was the Eagles five game unbeaten streak that ultimately gave way to a now impressive seven game win streak for the Saints. ERAU keeper
Marcos da Silva had recorded shutouts in four of the previous five and was named defensive player of the week in the SSC for the third time this year.
Flagler opened up the scoring early in the game in the seventh minute when team leading goal scorer Finn Weigelt found the back of the net on a quick break off a connection from Callum Stokes. A response would not come till the 78th minute when
Lukas Bludau beat the keeper in the top corner off of a pass
Joseph Ben-Ezra. That equalizer was short lived as the Saints responded quickly to reclaim the advantage with a goal coming from Tim Wahlborg. Embry-Riddle put three of eight shots on goal whereas Flagler put five of 13 on goal.
First Half
-
Jonas Banouas put ERAU's first shot on goal at 6:39, but Ryan Rivas made the save before Flagler took a 1-0 lead at 7:11 on Weigelt's goal from Stokes.
- da Silva answered with a save on Weigelt less than a minute later, then made two more saves during a Flagler stretch from 25:01 to 28:22 that included four shots and two corner kicks.
- The closing minutes grew more physical, with multiple fouls and two Flagler yellow cards before
Elliot Mills recorded a shot at 39:21. Flagler carried the 1-0 lead into halftime.
Second Half
- Flagler recorded four shots and two corner kicks from 50:58 to 62:03, across a stretch that included three ERAU yellow cards, but the score remained 1-0.
- The Eagles built pressure from 68:49 to 75:16, getting a Bludau shot saved by Ryan Rivas, a
Mattia Motzo shot wide, a corner kick and a
Louis Dolcini shot.
- Bludau scored off a Ben-Ezra assist at 78:59 to tie the match 1-1.
- Wahlborg quickly responded for Flagler at 80:14 to put the Saints back in front.
- Mills had a late shot at 88:15 and ERAU earned a corner at 88:34, but Flagler finished with the 2-1 win.
Inside the Stats
- Bludau scored a match-tying goal, his fifth of the season, and put both of his shots on goal.
- Ben-Ezra recorded his third assist of the season off of the bench.
- da Silva recorded three saves.
Up Next
The Eagles recognize Senior Day as they host Lynn on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. at Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium in Daytona Beach, Fla. Seniors
Marcos da Silva,
Rimon Beyene,
Louis Dolcini,
Lorenzo Rodofili, and
Colin Bailey will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
