Friends, family, alumni and pets spread out along Kea hill to cheer Eastern’s men’s soccer team to victory against the number two seed in the PAC, College Misericordia.
The final score of 4-1 turned out to be an important victory for the men’s team.
“It was huge for us,” said senior Kent Metzler, one of the soccer team captains.
“We haven’t beaten these guys in the three years I’ve been here.”
According to head coach Mark Wagner, Eastern has tied Misericordia the last three games they played against them.
“I thought we played a complete game,” Wagner said
“We played well for 90 minutes.”
Eastern was able to keep the ball on Misericordia’s side of the field for the better part of the first half, but they were not able to score until five minutes before half time.
Metzler scored the goal off of a free kick by junior Mahaish Alexander.
A mere three minutes later, Metzler made Eastern’s second goal, assisted by junior Jon Ruiz. Eastern ended the half with a 2-0 lead.
Misericordia broke through to score their only goal early in the second half, but they were unable to close the gap.
Senior David Carvalho made Eastern’s third goal with an assist from Alexander. With less than a minute remaining on the clock, sophomore AJ Enck scored the last goal, assisted by junior Shane Rineer.
As the last seconds ticked away, Eastern fans began cheering for their team’s clear victory.
Both teams played a hard and physical game, taking many shots and fighting each other for possession of the ball.
Two Eastern players, junior Manan Abdulai and freshman Aaron Tritch, went down in the second half after taking big hits. Abdulai was able to limp off the field after only a few minutes, and Tritch was able to stay in the game.
This victory brings the men’s soccer team’s overall record to 8-3 and their PAC record to 4-2.
Will Cunningham 
Mikaela Brown 
Sophia Hunter