Prescott, Ariz. — Embry-Riddle showed grit, urgency, and plenty of attacking promise on Friday afternoon, but an early two-goal burst from Southern Oregon proved too much to overcome as the Eagles dropped a 2–1 decision at home.
Southern Oregon struck first in the 13th minute when defender Michael Mutchukian finished a chance created by JP Warnell, putting ERAU in an early 1–0 hole. Just over 17 minutes later, Warnell doubled the lead, this time assisted by Mustafa Daggig, giving the Raiders a 2–0 advantage.
Embry-Riddle responded immediately with renewed pressure, and in the 33rd minute when Christopher Cruz buried the penalty to cut the deficit to 2–1, marking ERAU's first goal of the season and injecting life into the Eagles' attack.
ERAU dominated the stat sheet after halftime, outshooting Southern Oregon 6–1 in the second period and finishing with a 13–5 advantage overall.
Cruz continued to be a spark, recording four shots and two on goal, while forwards Nitai Bental and Lucas Thompson each forced saves from SOU goalkeeper Daniel Espinosa, who finished with seven stops on the day.
ERAU's midfield trio—Hugo Gil, Rodrigo Garcia, and Julian Albanil—kept possession flowing and generated multiple corner-kick opportunities, including a dangerous stretch between the 73rd and 79th minutes where the Eagles earned two corners and three shots.
Goalkeeper Sam Macdonald faced only five shots but had little chance on either SOU goal. ERAU's back line, led by Dario Ajdini and Zach Campbell, tightened significantly in the second half, allowing just one shot after the break.
Cruz's late efforts nearly produced an equalizer—he fired a blocked shot in the 86th minute and sent another just high in the 90th—but Southern Oregon held firm through a flurry of ERAU pressure.
Despite the loss, Embry-Riddle showed meaningful progress: improved possession, increased shot creation, and a standout performance from Cruz off the bench. With 13 shots, four corners, and sustained second-half control, the Eagles demonstrated they're close to turning pressure into results.
ERAU will stay in Prescott as Oregon Tech comes to for a 7:30pm kickoff.
