Box Score

NEW CONCORD – Spalding University men's soccer opened the 2014 soccer season with a 1-0 victory on the road at Muskingum. Abdullahi Abdullahi scored the game's only goal just seven minutes into the contest.
 
From the right side of the field, Julio De Leon took a corner kick that was sent out of bounds by the Muskingum defense, resulting in another corner kick from the left side of the field. Joey Lesher sent a swinging ball into the box that found Abdullahi, who had taken up a position in front of the Muskingum goalkeeper near the front post. With a genius back-heel stroke, Abdullahi found the back of the net, putting the Golden Eagles up 1-0, a leasd in which they would hold until the final whistle.
 
In the 26^th minute, Logan Spencer corralled a long shot that was Muskingum's only dangerous chance of the first half. The Golden Eagles finished the last ten minutes of the first half with five freshmen on the field. The young line-up played with great composure and was able to help the team close out the first half holding a 1-0 lead.
 
At halftime, Head Coach Adam Boyer, made a slight tactical change. He asked his team for more of an up-tempo, and attacking style of play. This tactical switch nearly paid off in the 53^rd minute when high pressure by Jacob McMurry, Aden Abdirahman, and Abdullahi caused a turnover in the attacking half. The ensuing play led to a nice combination from De Leon and Abdirahman, which resulted in a shot by Abdirahman that banged off the left post. Just a few moments later, De Leon and Abdirahman combined again leading to another attempt on goal that was saved by the Muskingum goalkeeper.
 
The majority of the second half was controlled by the Spalding midfield. Possession was held for long spells, and the defense was able to clear out the multiple Muskingum attempts at playing over the top. The only real chance in the second half from Muskingum came in the 85^th minute when they were able to get a shot off from the left side of the field just inside of the 18-yard box. The shot sailed over the goal and Spalding was able to run out the rest of the clock, resulting in a winning start to the 2014 campaign.  
 
Assistant Coach Darren Yeagle spoke about the play of the Golden Eagles after the game, "In the first half, we sat back and allowed them to play in our defensive half more than we would have liked to. The players had a hard time getting a rhythm." Yeagle continued, "In the second half, the boys settled down and started playing our brand and style of Spalding soccer. Still, while we created the types of chances that we wanted, we need to capitalize in those moments in order to be successful in these type of games. Overall, I am proud of the way our boys fought tonight. We were able to find a way to win."
 
The Golden Eagles return to action on Tuesday, September 2^nd at Hanover. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m., EST.