Mountaineers Fall to Argos in 2-1 Battle at Home
EOU Sports Information
LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University Men's Soccer fell 2-1 to the University of Providence Argos (3-0, 3-0) in a physical battle on Sunday afternoon at Community Stadium. With the loss, the Mountaineers drop to 1-7-0 overall and 0-5 in Cascade Collegiate Conference East Divisional play.
The Mountaineers had a 16-5 shot advantage for the day but were unable to come out on top in Sunday's matchup. Despite only having three shots come on goal, the Argos were able to twice find the back of the net to secure a 2-1 win.
The Argos struck first with a goal in the 15th minute, but EOU responded as Patrick Larsen was able to convert on a header assisted by Rudy Salinas-Solorio in the 27th minute.
The Mounties had many opportunities to take the lead before halftime but were unable to convert on four shot attempts in the final 18 minutes of the period.
The Argos came out strong after the break and scored their second goal of the day at the 52nd minute mark to take the 2-1 advantage. EOU's defense stepped it up for the remainder of the contest only allowing one shot in the final 28 minutes of action.
The Mountaineers had a strong second half on the offensive end as well but were unable to convert on their final nine shot attempts.
Both teams played physically throughout the contest as 19 total fouls were called between the two teams. EOU committed 11 compared to eight by the Argos.
Patrick Larsen led the way for the Mountaineers with one goal on four shots, two coming on goal. Rudy Salinas-Solorio added four shots for EOU with two on goal. He also had an assist on the day. Joaquin Bermejillo was able to put up two shots in the contest and had one come on goal. In net, Max Rose picked up a save in 90 minutes of action.
George Almeida led the Argo offense in shots with two and scored one goal in the contest. Manu Garcia had one goal on one shot in the win. Goalkeeper Evan Scholes tallied five saves in 90 minutes for the Argos.
The Mountaineers and the Argos will face off again tomorrow (Monday) afternoon for game two of the series. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. PT inside Community Stadium.