GOSHEN, Ind. - Men's soccer was back at home for the first time in three weeks in a back and forth matchup against the Judson Eagles, eventually falling 1-0.
Though it was the Eagles that came out on top, the Maple Leafs did not make themselves an easy target. Their passing and touch was looking sharp, and they weren't beaten in the regular run of play — the goal came in the 77th minute off the foot of Mateo Vadora as he took the free kick for Judson.
The Leafs were also not shy of chances of their own — Pedro Diegues had a great tackle that very nearly resulted in a goal, scraping just wide of the post in the end. Nicholas Whitaker also led the Leafs in shots once again, as he picked up four and got two on frame that in any other match may easily have made it on to the scoresheet.
Roberto Sanchez Brito also picked up four shots, keeping the pressure on the Eagles, and David Hidalgo Muniain had another dangerous header in the box — almost a repeat of his goal against Aquinas.
On the line, Matias Labbe picked up two nice saves, helping the Leafs stay steady for most of the game.
GC also played a very physical game, picking up 11 fouls to five for Judson, but in the end it was Eagle who ended up with more cautions — three yellow cards to two.
Both teams played a very defensively strong match, and as a result, counterattacks were the name of the game. Shifts in momentum carried a lot of weight, and it was an effort to stop a counterattack that drew the foul on GC that eventually resulted in the goal.
The Maple Leafs are back in action on Wednesday, Sep. 16 at home again at 6 p.m. to take on the RedHawks of IU Northwest. Two games remain before the kickoff of Crossroads League action.
