By: Laura Chapman
Assistant Sports Information Director
chapmal@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
Photo: Laura Chapman
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a hard fought Landmark Conference battle, the Juniata College men's soccer team fell to Catholic University of America (CUA) 2-0. The Eagles are now 2-3-1 in league play with two matches remaining.
"We started out a little bit slow, but once we got into the game we were able to move the ball around and have some success," said head coach Dan Dubois. "They are a very good team. Overall we had good intensity throughout the game."
CUA got on the board early, netting their first goal in just the fifth minute. While the Cardinals outshot Juniata 5-1 in the first half, the Eagles game back strong in the second half outshooting CUA 7-5.
"The goals that they scored, they had one really well worked play where we lost a mark on a guy running through. It was a very basic play, but very well worked. Their other goal, they worked hard for what they got and finished. We had our opportunities – we were one-on-one with the goalkeeper a few times and just didn't finish."
After surrendering the early lead, Juniata cracked down and went into the half only down one. CUA capitalized quickly out of the halftime break, scoring in the 54th minute. Senior Dane Azeles (Duncansville, Pa./Hollidaysburg) finished the match with three of Juniata's eight shots.
"We need to continue to put ourselves in the same position and it's just matter of getting us the opportunities to let us have success," said Dubois. "We have to execute, if we don't execute we won't win. Our game plan is getting us opportunities. Now we need to focus and finish."
The Eagles will face U.S. Merchant Marine Academy tomorrow in a rescheduled match from Oct. 5. The two teams will meet at a neutral site in Whitehall, Pa. at 1 p.m.
"I talked to another coach and he has seen them play and he's seen us play," said Dubois. "He said if we play the way we can, as well as we have, we can get a good result. It's going to be their third game in five days, but we're not going to rely on them not doing well. We're going to play our game and hopefully we can execute."
Juniata next returns home Saturday, Nov. 2, at 3:30 p.m. in the second half of a double header with the women's team against Drew University.
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