BALTIMORE – The first half looked easy on Wednesday night with American University men's soccer scoring two goals in five minutes to hold a two-goal cushion at halftime. The second half got a little dicey, as Loyola Maryland scored two goals of their own, but
David Coly scored his third goal in as many games in the 82nd minute to push American into the Patriot League Championship, winning 3-2 at Ridley Athletic Complex.
QUICK NOTABLES
- With the win, American advanced to its first PL Championship since 2016.
- Three goals is the most scored by an AU team since Oct. 3, 2018 (3-2 win at Navy).
- Viggo Sjoberg assisted on both first-half goals after entering the game with only one career assist.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- As has been the case in each of the other two matchups this season, Loyola pushed the offensive pace right out of the gate.
- The most dangerous first-half chance for the Greyhounds was in the 23rd minute as Loyola got back-to-back great looks in front of the net. Will Giannokouros put a head on the first ball while standing just in front of the end line, while Jake Agnew knocked the second ball out of play.
- In the 34th minute, Sjoberg played a great ball in to Jason Bouregy, who was streaking up the far sideline. Bouregy maneuvered his way into the box before dishing a pass through the keeper's legs to Jerry Zouantcha for the finish and 1-0 advantage.
- Less than five minutes later, Sjoberg picked up his second assist of the day, this one coming on a bending corner kick that almost went in for a goal on its own before Nicolas Blassou stretched a foot out to put the Eagles on top, 2-0.
- The two goals were American's only shots during the first half of play.
- In the 51st minute, Blassou was whistled for a foul in the box and Justin Ingram cashed in on his penalty kick attempt to cut the deficit to one.
- American rallied and had three consecutive corner kicks in the 70th minute, but were only able to place one shot on goal in the sequence.
- Loyola picked up the equalizer in the 73rd minute, a nice series of passes from the midfield to set up David Gunter's second goal of the season.
- The game-winner was set up by Al-Ameen Salako, who played a through ball that Kyle Hellmann got a foot on before Coly beat the keeper 1-on-1.
- Loyola only had one more shot the rest of the way and AU held on for a 3-2 win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Bouregy now has two assists on the season, while Salako, Hellmann, and Sjoberg all picked up their first helpers of the season.
- Zouantcha scored his first goal since Oct. 3, 2018 at Navy.
- Blassou's goal was his first in an AU uniform and just the second of his career. He last found the back of the net on Sept. 21, 2019 against Florida Atlantic while playing at Kentucky.
- Both keepers (Gordon and Agnew) picked up two saves on the night.
UP NEXT
- AU will play in the Patriot League Championship on Saturday, April 17 at No. 24 Lafayette.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Easton, Pa.
- American is looking to win its first Patriot League title since 2004.
VIRTUALLY "PHIL" REEVES FIELD PRESENTED BY GEICO
- American University Athletics has announced a new virtual ticket campaign in an effort to sell out Reeves Field for the upcoming men's soccer season. This new season-long initiative, presented by "TEAM AU" partner GEICO, will challenge Eagles fans and alumni to virtually sell out each seat at Reeves Field for the 2021 men's soccer campaign. The "AU Founder" ticket price of $18.93 commemorates the year AU was founded. Click here to support AU Athletics by buying virtual tickets.
KEEP UP WITH US
- For the latest on American University Men's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MSoccer), Facebook (/AU.MSoccer) and Instagram (@au.msoccer).
