Oct. 1, 2005

Box Score

BALTIMORE - The American University men's soccer team on Saturday versus Loyola (Md.) went to overtime for a fourth time this season, continuing a trend of tight games. Unfortunately, the Eagles continued another trend: losing one-goal games. AU fell to 2-6-1 overall with a 3-2, double-overtime loss to the Greyhounds, the Eagles' fifth one-goal loss this season.

In a rough-and-tumble game, in which the two teams combined for 49 fouls and seven yellow cards, AU's Garth Juckem (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Jesuit) had three points, on a goal and an assist, and Sal Caccavale (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip) had a goal.

AU trailed early, when the Greyhounds Mark Donnelly headed a chip pass over AU goaltender Ryan Germann (Madison, Wis./Madison West), making his first career start, in the 13th minute. The 1-0 lead lasted through halftime.

However, early in the second period, Juckem was awarded a free kick in the 47th minute, which he looped over the Greyhound keeper's head.

With the game tied, 1-1, AU went on the offensive. Juckem had two more chances, one which went high and another that was saved, before he was awarded another free kick in the 54th minute. This time, Juckem's attempt was deflected in by Caccavale to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead.

Loyola put the heat on the AU defense in the 70th minute. The Greyhounds fired three straight shots at Germann, the first of which hit the post. The second shot, Germann got his hands on, but he was unable to corral the rebound, which Loyola's Frank Spanos knocked into the net to knot the game up at two. AU was able to manage one more shot - by Juckem - in regulation, but it was saved.

American dominated in the opening overtime period, firing three shots to Loyola's none. Unfortunately, just one of those shots made it to the net, and it was saved.

Loyola's Danny Wheelan attempted the only shot in the second overtime period. His teammate, Rade Kokovic, threaded a crossing pass through the box, which Wheelan got a toe on to sneak it past Germann.

American falls to 2-6-1 with the loss. The Eagles return to action against Lehigh on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2:30 p.m. on Reeves Field in a pivotal Patriot League matchup. Lehigh sits atop the PL with a 1-0 league record and a 5-1-1 overall record. American is 1-1 in league play.