Feb. 9, 2007
WASHINGTON - Mike Cannon and Rudy Rueda upset top-12 ranked opponents, but the American University wrestling team lost two matches in the final seconds and could not overcome four losses by bonus points as it fell 22-15 to local rival University of Maryland Friday night in front of more than 1,000 fans in Bender Arena.
American started the match in a 9-3 hole when it appeared to have the first three matches of the dual won until late. Jasen Borshoff at 125 led 3-0 into the third period, but gave up an escape early to start the period, a stalling call point and a takedown as time expired to lose 4-3. At 133, Jordan Lipp appeared to regain his old form in a hard fought 7-6 win that was not decided until Lipp escaped in the final minute. The night's 141 lb. match saw the return of Kyle Borshoff who forced the action through the first two periods to a 7-4 lead. After he called an injury timeout before the third, Borshoff started on top and gave up an escape to Terrapin Charlie Pinto. Pinto managed a takedown with 30 seconds left to a visibly ailing Borshoff and with the score tied at 7-7 earned the pin with just 20 seconds left.
The Eagles fell farther behind to 13-6 after a decision win from Damian Swietlik was offset by a major decision loss to Jimmy Pepper.
American drew back to 13-12 thanks to big wins from Cannon and Rueda. Squaring off against former youth club mentor No. 11 Jason Kiessling, Cannon scored a takedown in the third period and added riding for an 8-4 decision win, his second victory over a top-20 opponent and team-high 22nd of the season. Eagle fans witnessed a hyped Rueda enter the third period tied at five and leave a 9-5 winner. Rueda scored a takedown and was close to turning No. 12 Mike Letts when the Terrapin called for an injury timeout with 18 seconds left. The ref awarded Rueda two points and the pride of Waldorf, Md. held on for the remainder of the match for his first win over a top-20 opponent and his 20th of the season.
Despite a dominating 7-0 win at 197 from Josh Glenn, in which he twice came close to scoring a pin over No. 14 Hudson Taylor, the Eagles fell at 184 and heavyweight to lose to the Terrapins for the first time in three years. Anthony Fuschino at 184 lost by major decision and Evan Murtaugh lost by technical fall at heavyweight to make the score 22-15 in favor of the visitors.
Earlier in the evening the Eagles honored seniors Dwayne Hash-Barberis and Swietlik. Hash-Barberis has been a four-year starter for American with 33 career wins, while Swietlik is a 2006-07 team captain with 10 wins this season.
American travels to Old Dominion University Sunday as they head into their final three duals before the EIWA Championships the first weekend of March.
