The Spalding University men's soccer team inched closer to a berth in the SLIAC tournament with a 4-1 victory at Principia. The Golden Eagles were able to get on the scoreboard early and never relinquished their lead. The match was a wide-open affair that saw both teams try their best to impose their style of play on the game. The majority of the opponents that the Golden Eagles have faced this year have played a direct style of soccer. Principia provided the Golden Eagles with an opportunity to play against an opponent that employs a similar style that is a possession based attack. Goals from Julio De Leon, Abdirahman Aden (2), and Abdullahi Abdullahi provided evidence that Spalding's possession based attack is peaking at the right time.
 
In the 7^th minute, Julio De Leon gave the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead with a finish from the penalty spot. Jack Oakey was able to come up with the ball after a well-timed tackle near midfield. Oakey sent the ball to Jacob McMurry who was able to work his way into the box, before a defender took him down allowing for De Leon to open up the scoring. De Leon is 3 for 3 from the penalty spot on the season.
 
The Golden Eagles were able to add to their lead in the 31^st minute when Aden, while on the run, smashed a shot that beat the Principia goalkeeper to his near post. Aden was able to get free after being fed from De Leon and running through the Principia defense. Spalding entered halftime holding a 2-0 lead.
 
In the 56^th minute, Principia was able to cut Spalding's lead in half with a beautiful goal that came from a chip over the back line that was well played and tucked home, cutting the lead to 2-1 and placing pressure on the Golden Eagles.
 
In the 82^nd minute, Aden was able to restore the Golden Eagles lead back to two goals with a lovely chip from outside of the 18-yard box that was available due to a mishit clearance from the Principia goalkeeper. The poorly struck ball was the result of pressure that was applied from Abdullahi.
  
Just three minutes later, Spalding was able to ice the game behind a clinical finish from Abdullahi. A perfect curling ball from De Leon found Abdullahi on a well-timed run in behind the Principia defense. Abdullahi was able to collect and deposit for the final score of the game.
 
The Golden Eagles outshot Principia 15-6 for the game. Logan Spencer earned the win in goal for Spalding making two saves in the contest. Principia had a 5-3 advantage on corner kicks.
 
The Spalding University men's soccer team is now 11-5-1, 5-2-1. The Golden Eagles are one victory away from clinching a berth in the SLIAC tournament with one game remaining on the schedule. The final game of the regular season will be on Saturday, November 1 at Blackburn. Kickoff is set for 4 PM EST.