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espinal-erau
1
Embry-Riddle Aeronau EMBRY-RI (0-1-0)
2
Winner Southeastern SOUTHEAS (1-0-0)
Embry-Riddle Aeronau EMBRY-RI
(0-1-0)
1
Final
2
Southeastern SOUTHEAS
(1-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Embry-Riddle Aeronau EMBRY-RI 0 1 1
Southeastern SOUTHEAS 1 1 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Donnie Smith

Veterans Help Men’s Soccer Win Season Opener

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 61st 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.  
 
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