LAKELAND, Fla.—A pair of goals coupled with a stellar defensive effort helped Southeastern defeat Embry-Riddle in its 2021 home opener by the count of 2-1.
The veteran back line of the Fire limited Embry-Riddle to just two shots on goal.
"The continuity and understanding of each other and of what we want tactically is great as a coach," said coach
Clay Roberts. "Allowing us to transition from that great defense will keep us on the scoreboard."
It was another veteran in fifth-year senior
Ben-Avir Espinal that got the Fire on the scoreboard towards the end of the first half. With just under five minutes until halftime, Espinal intercepted a pass from ERAU keeper Jack Crichton and hammered it to the back of the net just inside the right post.
In the 61
st minute, senior
Reece Riggins finished a header from freshman
Eduardo Venutolo to give the Fire a 2-0 advantage.
"It's a great start to the season for us," said Roberts. "These guys played a fantastic game and executed our game plan the best that we could and produced good goals at home."
The defense kept a clean sheet until the Eagles scored with just three seconds left, cleaning up a free kick in the box.
"The defense was fantastic, that was a tough goal to give up for us," said Roberts. "To have that effort is what it is going to take to win a championship."
Senior keeper
Carlos Curado made one save.
The Fire will play Saturday at Tampa in a scrimmage and Monday at Rollins in an exhibition before hosting Bethel on Thursday.
