Men's Soccer
TFC vs. North Greenville University (NCAA II)
The men’s soccer team kicked off the 2009 season on Thursday evening with a tough 2-0 loss to NCAA-II North Greenville University. Playing through injury, illness, and inexperience, the Eagles earned a 0-0 draw through an evenly played first half. Senior David Eckman had perhaps the best scoring opportunity for the Eagles early in the second half when fellow senior Jeremy Bill threaded a well-timed through-ball to the streaking forward. NGU’s keeper was able to save Eckman’s shot in the box. Junior Peter Yang’s 40 yard volley off of a corner kick rebound energized the home crowd, but a beautiful diving save kept the game tied.NGU broke the tie when Eagle goalkeeper Travis Julian was beaten by a header in the box. They added to their lead ten minutes later when NGU’s Jonathan Restrepo corralled a loose ball in the penalty area and sent a shot past the diving Julian. TFC continued to press the attack, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Along with Eckman, Bill, and Yang, the Eagles also got standout play from keeper Julian and defender Eric Bill. The team next travels to Knoxville, TN to play Johnson Bible College on Monday.