YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. - The Eckerd men's soccer team wasted no time in challenging itself in the new season.
The Tritons opened the 2017 campaign on the road against a perennial power in the southeast region, falling to Young Harris (Ga.) College, 2-0.
The Mountain Lions scored twice in the first half and, despite a rise in Eckerd's level of play in the second half, held the Tritons scoreless on their way to the win.
HOW IT ENDED
Final: YHC 2, Eckerd 0
Records: YHC 1-0, Eckerd 0-1
All-Time Series: YHC leads, 1-0
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Mountain Lions controlled the pace for most of the first half, outshooting Eckerd by a 12-5 margin.
- Young Harris broke through in the 21st minute when Sam Jones's direct kick hit the crossbar and fell to Seba Andreassen, who punched the rebound into the net.
- YHC kept the pressure going with four more shots over the next five minutes, but the EC defense held up. However, the Mountain Lions struck again in the 44th minute on a goal by Marco Micaletto via a pass from Andreassen.
- Eckerd made adjustments at halftime and matched Young Harris in shot attempts. The Tritons created some quality chances but were unable to convert before the final horn.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- After being outshot in the first half, 12-5, the Tritons took seven shots to six for YHC in the second half.
-
Matheus Assumpcao led EC in shots with four.
Juan David Tejada and
Gabriel Caetano each took two. All three players registered one shot on goal.
NOTABLE
- Young Harris was picked to win the Peach Belt Conference. The Mountain Lions have qualified for the NCAA Tournament in three of the last four years.
QUOTABLE
"Our group have 45 minutes of evidence that we can reach the desired level when we aren't out-competed and then allow our quality to show. Tactics mean nothing when you lack the required intensity." - EC head coach
Ian Cameron
UP NEXT
- The Tritons stay in Georgia for the weekend, heading to Dahlonega to take on the University of North Georgia on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Eckerd hosted UNG last season and walked away with a 1-0 win.
