SALT LAKE CITY, UT-Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer kicked off their 2014 regular season on Friday in Salt Lake City, UT against the Westminter College Griffins. The game played under unseasonable grey skies, and significant rain made the early season contest feel more like a late October affair. Both teams tried to utilize the very slick and wet synthetic turf of Dumke Field to keep the ball moving as quickly as possible, but sometimes it was even too quick. The first half showed two teams in early season form still trying to get connected and organized. Play was interrupted by fouls, loose passes, and some uncharacteristic turnovers.
The Eagles regrouped at half-time, and were able to push the tempo and the time in possession as the match progressed. Seven players recorded shots on the night, with five getting shots on goal, in comparison to the three the Griffins produced. Defensively, both teams were difficult to break down, and both goalkeepers benefited from the shut down play of the backlines. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Alex Elden recorded the shutout, as he returned to the starting position following his breakout season in 2013. "Overall I was pleased with the boys, their effort, and their ability to adjust on the day", said Eagles Head Coach Adam Pearce. He added, "The surface was less than desirable to play on, and it took us at least through the first half to truly adapt to the slickness, and certainly the bounce of the turf. Once we felt more comfortable with the turf I think we started to put our imprint on the game and dictate the play a bit more." The Eagles have one more match in Salt Lake City to be played Sunday morning, August 24that 10am on the Westminster campus. The match up will feature the University of Great Falls (MT), as both teams wrap up their weekend at the Westminster Kickoff Classic. The match will be webstreamed through the Westminster College Griffins website atwww.westminstergriffins.com
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