Eastern Tripped up by NOC-Tonkawa

After picking up points in 2 of their last 3 games, the Mountaineers fell on the road at NOC-Tonkawa on Thursday afternoon. NOC took advantage of a deflection on a shot that put Eastern down 1-0 just 4 minutes into the game.  Eastern then went on the offensive for the remainder of the half and tied the score at 1 apiece with 15 minutes left in the period when sophomore Lucas Teixeira connected on a beautiful long-range drive.

It looked like the Mountaineers would surely go ahead before halftime with several quality possessions that generated chances on goal, but they were unable to convert. Eastern carried the momentum into the second half but again could not find the go-ahead goal. Unfortunately, NOC capitalized on a momentary lapse in concentration and an errant pass off of an Eastern free kick and countered to pull ahead 2-1.  The Mountaineers continued to put pressure on the NOC goal but came away empty-handed and NOC Tonkawa held on for the win.

The Mountaineers dropped to 3-6-1, 1-4-1 in Region II play.

PLAY BY PLAY

- NOC-Tonkawa jumped out to an early lead four minutes into the game

- Eastern got on the board with sophomore Lucas Teixeira's first strike of the season.

- Tonkawa scored a late goal to get the 2-1 victory despite the Eastern offensive.

Coach E remarked:

"First of all, give credit to our opponent on a well-played game and for taking advantage of their opportunities.  We certainly played well enough to win. I thought the young men battled, played good football on both sides of the ball and executed our game plan for the most part. You don't always get what you deserve, especially in football, you get what you earn and that was the case today," Evan said. "I told our guys that we are close. We are playing some of the best ball I've seen in my three years here at Eastern right now.  We need to concentrate for the full match, from start to finish and put the ball in the back of the net and we'll be fine.  There were a number of guys who played the best game I've seen them play in an Eastern jersey, but that's little consolation on a day like today.  We have to keep progressing collectively and know that if we put together a complete game on both sides of the ball, without beating ourselves with unforced errors and a lack of concentration, we can play with anyone in the country.  We will keep our focus on our attitude, our effort and our process. As long as we keep playing the right way, the Eastern Way,  good things are coming for this group. Fortunately, it's a quick turnaround for us and we have a chance to get right back on track at NEO on Sunday."

GAME NOTES

- The Mountaineers took 12 shots and placed 6 on target.

- Teixeira netted his first goal in an Eastern uniform.

- Dias Neto had 6 saves in net for Eastern.

Eastern is back on the road at NEO on Sunday, Oct. 13th at 5 P.M.