Saturday, October 13

The Eagles began the season with promise, but injuries and a general inability to field their complete team caused struggles in the latter part of the schedule. The problems seemed to come to a grand culmination Saturday, as a once-again shorthanded Eagle squad fell to the previously winless UCA Crusaders 5-1. The Crusaders out-hustled and outplayed Canaan in nearly every aspect of this match, controlling this match from beginning to end.

UCA wasted no time getting on the board, scoring in the first minute, a problem that has plagued the Eagles throughout the season. The Crusaders kept the pressure on the Canaan defense and goalkeeper, scoring four times in the first half. After gaining a 2-0 lead on a defensive breakdown, the Crusaders extended their lead with two successful penalty kicks before halftime.

The frustration was evident on the Eagles' faces, as they could sense their season slipping away. Canaan picked up their intensity in the second half, but it was too little to late. UCA pumped in another goal to make the score 5-0 before Canaan could muster a goal. Tony Graves recorded the lone Eagle goal on a nice left-footed shot from just outside the goalie's box.

The loss puts Canaan at 6-8 for the season. The Eagles will have some rebuilding to do next year, as they will lose ten seniors from this year's squad, a majority of which were starters.