Playing against the top-ranked team in Southern California (as of game day), the Eagles Men's LAX team led from the start, withstood a late game run by the visiting Tartans, and closed out a big-time win!
Anticipation was high heading into the Eagles' annual matchup against the visiting St. Margaret's Tartans (San Juan Capistrano). Despite their recent OT loss, the Eagles were confident as they prepared for their match-up with a team that features multiple D1/D3 player commits.
The Eagles got off to a quick start, winning the opening faceoff, controlling the ball, and scoring on a nice shot from Colby Rossettie (So, Att) to take the early lead. Defensively, both teams battled back and forth, and St. Margaret's didn't hit the back of the net to tie things up until nearly 10 min. into the game. The Eagles answered with two goals [Parker Guiltinan (Jr, Att); and Rossettie] to end the first quarter up 3-1.
St. Margaret's scored first in the 2nd quarter, and the teams traded goals to head into halftime with the Eagles leading 5-3. Both SFC goals were scored by Brady Berg (Fr, Mid), including one off an amazing takeaway/interception, quick transition, and score on the run!
SFC didn't let up coming out of half-time, building on their lead, scoring 4 goals [Guiltinan (2); Magnus Falkiewicz (Jr, Mid); and Rossettie] to 2 from the Tartans to lead 9-5 going into the final quarter.
The Eagles continued their momentum in the 4th with another goal from Falkiewicz. And Jack Berg (Jr, Mid), in his first SFC game (following a mandatory transfer "waiting period"), added another to increase SFC's lead to 6! A lead is never safe against a talented team, and the Tartans clearly stepped things up a notch, systematically chipping away at the Eagle's lead. It definitely felt like the momentum was shifting; however, our defense held their composure and didn't let up. On the back of several mind-boggling, point-blank range saves by George Adams (Jr, Goalie), the Eagles were able to hold onto the lead and close out a monster win 11-9!
In addition to solid offense, Everett Kerkhoff (So, LSM/Def - also playing in his first SFC game), Ben Wakeham (Jr, Def), and Johnny Grimstad (Jr, Def), did a fantastic job containing St. Margaret's primary shooters and led a solid defensive effort to frustrate and contain the Tartans. Overall, the team did a much better job coming up with ground balls, with 10 different players scooping up the ball. And 8 different players picked up or caused turnovers, which all were key elements of the Eagles winning effort. Adams saved 17 of 26 shots on goal, including 8 of 12 in the 4th quarter!
The Eagles host O'Dea (Wa) this Thurs at 5pm. And, key match-ups continue into next week. The Eagles will host Coastal League rival, Bishops (#3 in SD), on Tues, 4/9 at 5pm. And then play host to cross-town rival, Torrey Pines (#1 in SD) on Thurs, 4/11 at 5:30pm. Come on out and support the team!!
#GoEagles