Box Score In a hard fought game in American men's soccer's return to Reeves Field, the Eagles battled all 90 minutes against the Flames from Liberty, but were edged, 1-0. AU appeared to tie up the game late as a header with under two minutes left in the contest found the back of the net, but was called back on a foul.
It was an intense battle throughout as American (2-3-2) and Liberty (3-2-0) combined for 18 fouls, nine each, as well as seven yellow cards.
The Flames struck for the only score in the matchup in the 70th minute off a corner kick, which was deflected and then headed in.
With just 1:49 left in regulation, the Eagles looked to have found the equalizer as senior co-captain Cristobal Soto headed in the corner kick from sophomore Charlie Hunter, but the score did not stand as a foul was called in the box on AU.
"That was a tough loss for us. We played well for much of the game and showed great resolve to come back and find the potential game-tying score," said head coach Todd West. "We will continue to work hard and prepare for our Patriot League season which starts in our next game."
American bombarded the Flames keeper with shots, totaling 18 in the match, but Sam Chappell was up to the task, making saves.
AU senior co-captain Billy Knutsen made three saves, facing nine shots, while both teams were active from the corners. The Eagles had 12 corner kicks, while Liberty totaled nine.
The physical matchup went down to the wire, but American could not find the equalizer late.
The Eagles will look to get back in the win column next Saturday when they open Patriot League play at home versus Lehigh at 1 p.m.
