Spalding University Athletics

ST. LOUIS - The Spalding University men's soccer team lost on the road at Webster, 2-1. The Golden Eagles scored midway through the first half and appeared to be on their way to victory until Webster was able to score two goals late in the second half that came within minutes of each other. Aden Abdirahman scored for Spalding in what was a remarkable attempt from distance.
 
In the 29^th minute, Julio De Leon and Trevor Bruner combined in the middle of the park before laying the ball off to Abdirahman who hit a one-time half volley while turning from roughly 30 yards out. Abdirahman's blistering shot froze the Webster goalkeeper and found the back of the net. It was a truly a magnificent strike that delivered elation to the Spalding sideline. The Golden Eagles would take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
 
Soon after the start of the second half, Spalding nearly added to their lead in the 48^th minute when Abdirahman got loose down the left side of the field before sending a ball across to a sprinting Jacob McMurry. McMurry was able to get his left foot on the ball, but his shot flew high and wide of the target.
 
The Spalding attack created another exceptional goal scoring opportunity in the 72^nd minute off of splendid ball movement that began with a free kick from Deron Buehner. A driven ball found De Leon near the top of the 18-yard box. De Leon was able to move the ball through the Webster defense and find a streaking Abdikadir Hussein on he right flank. Hussein released a shot that flew right across the face of goal and just barely missed the side netting of the far post.
 
The Golden Eagles inability to capitalize on prime opportunities proved costly when Webster was able to tie the game up and then take the lead. In the 77^th minute, Webster benefited from a deflection off a shot from the top of the 18-yard box. Spalding goalkeeper Mike Salamon was headed to his left to make the save on the initial shot, but a wicked deflection allowed for the ball to slowly roll into the right side of the goal. In the 79^th minute, Webster took a 2-1 lead off a set piece goal that appeared to go out of bounds before being put into the back of the net.
 
In an effort to level the game the Golden Eagles pushed numbers forward but were unable to find the equalizer. Webster would escape with a 2-1 victory.
 
The Golden Eagles record now stands at 7-5-0, 1-2-0. The Spalding University men's soccer team returns to action on Saturday, October 11 at MacMurray. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. EST.