The men's soccer team could not capitalize on its many shots on goal during its 1-0 loss to the Columbia Lions. The defeat brings the Eagles' record to 5-6-1 for the season.
With constant chatter and crisp, quick ball movement, the Eagles took control of the field and dominated the first half. Led by freshmen forwards Daniel Shannon and Mike Worden, the Eagles' offense kept Lion goalie Michael Testa on his toes. Defender Mark Wysocki also added to the Eagles' attack with his powerful shots from outside the box. The Eagles outshot the Lions 13-7 in the first half alone, but they could not connect with the back of the net.
The lone goal of the game came in the first 20 minutes after the ball popped out of the hands of Eagle goalkeeper Chris Sedlak and was nudged past the white stripe by Columbia's Hayden Johns. Sedlak nearly had an astounding save and the defense almost stopped the ball from going in, but the referees ruled that the ball had crossed the white stripe. After the goal, the Eagles' offense continued their domination of the field, but they could not find a way to put the ball past Columbia's goalie.
The second half was similar to the first. American outshot their opponent 11-6, bringing their game tally to 24 shots. The game was a goalkeeper's battle. Each time the ball was within either goalie's box, the crowd held its breath and then let out a loud moan as the goalkeeper efficiently swooped in and swiped the ball away.
Sedlak and Testa saved six shots apiece. Some of the saves involved acrobatic dives or aggressive steals and left the crowd in awe. The Eagles showed they were the stronger team, but in the end it came down to missed opportunities.
AU faces Lafayette on Saturday.
