Barbourville, Ky. - In their last match of the Thomas Tramel Memorial Classic, the Fire fell short by a score of 2-0 in a hard fought game against the13th ranked Union College Bulldogs.
Unlike yesterday's first half against the Bulldogs, the Fire were unable to mount the same aggression in today's contest. Heavy legs must have played a factor, as this was the Fire's third match in three days. A free goal kick allowed the Bulldogs to secure an early lead in the fourth minute of the game. The kick, taken by Josh Arberry, bounced off a few bodies before finally being finished in the back of the net by Steve Moore. In the second half of the game, prior to the final whistle blowing, the Bulldogs scored one more time when the Fire knocked the ball into their own net, raising the final score to 2-0.
Although the Fire had difficulty locating the back of the net, they were able to produce a few quality scoring opportunities, one of which came from
Tevin Gage in the first half of the game. Gage received a pass inside the 18-yard box and took a shot on goal, just sailing the ball high over the crossbar and missing out on the timely equalizer.
Jonathan Jimenez also had a good look at goal, but his shot too traveled over the crossbar.
Following the half, the momentum seemed to shift in favor of Southeastern, who were threatening at goal. The Fire started the second part of the game with a new found intensity, causing Union to be on their heels. Fire's
Tauan Salgado applied a great deal of pressure alone on the Bulldog's keeper, Marcelo Mercuri, logging three shots on goal, all of which, however, were saved by Mercuri. Unfortunately for the Fire, the Union defense remained strong and kept the zero on the board for Southeastern.
Even though Southeastern's
Jorge Navarrete surrendered two goals, he did a superb job in keeping the game manageable for the Fire. Navarrette made five saves throughout the game, a couple of which were acrobatic.
The center referee was extremely busy during the contest, issuing a total of six yellow cards. Southeastern and Union received three a piece.
The Fire look to bounce back from this loss when they travel to Hardeeville, S.C., where they will take on Marian University, on Friday, September 2 at 5 p.m.
