After a playing to a scoreless first half with Oglethorpe University, the Emory University men's soccer team allowed three unanswered goals to the Stormy Petrels to start the second frame, as the Eagles eventually fell 3-1 to their crosstown opponent at the Woodruff Physical Education Center on Wednesday night.
The lone score on the day for Emory came from senior co-captain Andrew Natalino, his team-high fourth of the season and third of the last two games. Trailing 3-0 in the 64th minute, Natalino was able to get his head on a long pass into the box from junior Nolan McKeever, sending the ball past the Oglethorpe keeper. McKeever was credited with his second assist of the season on the play, tying him for the team lead.
While Natalino's goal brought the Eagles back into contention in the game, it would prove to be too little too late for Emory, after allowing three goals in the first 13 minutes of the half to the Stormy Petrels. Oglethorpe got on the board just 17 seconds into the second half on Carlos Gaston's second goal of the year. In the 55th minute, Nick Williamson drove towards the box, and while his first shot hit off the post, he was able to collect the rebound and finish to extend the lead. Three minutes later, a foul called against Aram Keteyian in the box resulted in a penalty kick for Oglethorpe's Jakub Madej, who was able to convert it, giving the Stormy Petrels a three goal cushion.
The rough second half came after a promising start for an Emory team that applied pressure on the Oglethorpe defense early and often during the first frame. In the fourth minute, a shot from junior forward Andrew Jones went off of Oglethorpe goalkeeper Frank Petersen's hands, bouncing off the crossbar. Sophomore forward Dylan Price was able to collect the rebound and take a return shot, but Petersen was once again able to make the save. Emory continued to dictate the pass of the game for the majority of the half, building a 14-5 edge in shots by the 45 minute mark , including a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal, and a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. However, the Eagles were unable to find the back of the net in the first period, as the game remained scoreless at halftime.
Emory finished the game with a 24-11 edge in shots, and a 12-7 edge in shots on goal.
The loss was the second-straight for the Eagles, who fell to 2-3-1 on the season with the loss. Oglethorpe improved to 4-1-0 on the year with the win.
Emory will be back in action on Saturday, September 15th, as the Eagles will travel to Mt. Berry, GA to face Berry College. The game is slated for a 1:00 PM start.
Emory Notes
Natalino now has 22 career goals, tied for the 19th most in school history with David Heit (1993-96) and Charles Siemon (1965-66)… The Eagles have outshot their opponents in all six games so far this season… Freshman goalkeeper Abe Hannigan played the final 27 minutes in goal, holding the Stormy Petrels scoreless and making one save.
