Box Score

The Spalding University men's soccer team remained undefeated at home after taking down Berea College 1-0. The Golden Eagles were able to earn the victory while playing in an environment that was not ideal. A heavy breeze and bumpy field conditions placed a stranglehold on the brand of soccer Spalding is accustomed to playing. Deron Buehner and Brent Hannah anchored a back line that was dominant for most of the day and earned its fourth shutout of the season. Aden Abdirahman scored the game's lone goal with the assist going to Julio De Leon.
 
 The Golden Eagles had opportunities to score early and often in this contest. In the 11^th minute, a solid sequence of passing allowed for Abdullahi Abdullahi to get in behind the Berea defense. Buehner began the play by intercepting a pass near midfield and finding De Leon in front of him. De Leon was able to move the ball to Joey Lesher, who was waiting on his right. Lesher slotted a ball through the Berea backline towards a wide-open Abdullahi. The shot that followed flew over the crossbar but it was the first of many chances for Spalding in the opening half. However, Spalding was not able to put away any goals before halftime.
 
After a scoreless first half, the Golden Eagles came out in the second half and went right back to their attacking ways. In the 50^th minute Abdirahman put a blistering shot on frame after a feed from Jacob McMurry that was denied by the Berea goalkeeper.
 
Spalding was finally able to capitalize on a scoring opportunity in the 66^th minute. Abdikadir Hussein was able to draw a foul near the end line on the right side of the field. De Leon swung in the ensuing free kick that popped out to the top of the box to a waiting Abdirahman. Abdirahman fired a shot through traffic that managed to get through everyone and find pay dirt. Spalding took the lead 1-0, a score that would hold up until the final whistle.
 
Logan Spencer earned the win in goal for the Golden Eagles and also claimed his fourth clean sheet of the season. Spencer only had to make two saves in the game with both coming in the second half. Spalding outshot Berea 16-5 for the game.
 
Coach James Kusak gave his thoughts on the result, "The second half the boys settled in and played our brand. We were able to pressure Berea, which created some turnovers in our attacking half. We didn't capitalize on the opportunities we created, but we had multiple chances to put the game away. We will have to make sure that we take care of our chances in conference play. Kusak continued, "Our defense was solid today and they deserve some praise for their efforts. Overall, it was a solid outing that we need to build on with a tough Greenville side coming in on Saturday."
 
The Golden Eagles are set to begin conference play with a record of 6-2-0. The Spalding University men's soccer team will return to action on Saturday, September 27^th against SLIAC opponent Greenville College. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM EST at Champions Trace.