Utah State University Eastern Men’s soccer followed USUE Women, with a pair of matches last weekend against The College Of Southern Nevada.
The Eagles won the first game and lost the second by identical 2-1 scores.
In the conference opener Friday a tight first half saw few chances created by either team. Eagles goalkeeper Israel Aleman drove bravely at the feet of the Coyotes striker to foil a dangerous attack. A nasty collision after a corner, saw Coyotes keeper Luis Sanchez require extended treatment. The referee issuing yellow cards to both teams as things got physical. The score was tied at zero at half time.
In the second half Southern Nevada began to gain more possession, Malik Cooper just failing to connect with a dangerous through ball.
Against the run of play the Eagles scored. Frank DeBry fired Mat Clark’s pass into the back of the net, for his seventh goal of the season.
The Coyotes continued to push forward and were rewarded when Bruno Aleman dispatched Ramon Medina’s through ball into the net. The score was tied 1-1 after 78 minutes.
The Eagles almost won the match with two minutes left. Josea Kwizera’s rebounded shot cleared of the line as his pace took him behind the defense.
The first 10 minute overtime period saw the Coyotes laying siege to the Eagles goal, creating numerous chances. USUE unable to cross the halfway line for the first 6 minutes. At the beginning of the second overtime period the Eagles won a free kick.
“We had a set piece and the ball goes in and it gets popped up and you can see him running on and then hits a rocket from 18 yards out,” said Head Coach Ammon Bennett.
Guillermo Hernandez’s volley into the bottom left corner winning the match for the Eagles on the golden goal rule.
“It was a pretty tough game, most of the game we played defensive and we were countering. It paid off in the end, we got the 2-1 win,” said sophomore defender Garrett Boston.
The second match Friday saw the Eagles under heavy pressure right from the kick off.
Striker Malik Cooper scored twice for the Coyotes in the first 15 minutes as the Eagles looked tired.
“They came out in the first half extremely aggressive. We were tired and we have four or five guys who are normal starters that are hurt. We were just hoping to get through the first half and weather the storm,” said Coach Bennett. Again the Eagles scored on the counterattack,against the run of play. Blake Howden firing in Brevan Randall’s pass as USUE fielded several back up players. Eagles were down one goal at the half.
The match got more physical in the second half as a total of six yellow cards were issued by the referee. The quality of play deteriorating although the Coyotes continued to have more of the ball. Southern Nevada finished the match with 21 shots and a 2-1 win.
“We battled with them but overall being tired and hurt really slowed us up. Hats off to CSN, they are a really good quality team, they came and challenged us,” said Head Coach Ammon Bennett. USUE are 4-1, 1-1 in conference play. Their next fixtures are on the road at nationally ranked Salt Lake Community College, Friday and Saturday.
Eagles split matches against College of Southern Nevada
USUEMENS SOCCER