The Ashland University men's soccer team dropped a 4-0 decision to No. 18 Saginaw Valley State on Sunday (Oct. 22) afternoon at Ferguson Field in GLIAC action.
The result means the Eagles will need at least a draw against Tiffin in the regular season finale on Friday (Oct. 27) to clinch a spot in the GLIAC Tournament. That game will kickoff at 4:30 p.m. at Ferguson Field.
The Eagles (7-8-1, 2-8-1 GLIAC) were able to control certain portions of Sunday's match, especially winning balls in the midfield, but the Cardinals (12-2-1, 9-1-1 GLIAC) capitalized on Ashland turnovers and were able to score when opportunities presented themselves in the penalty area.
"We lost our 1-v-1 battles in our own area, but overall I thought we played well," said AU head coach Oliver Slawson. "Credit to them, they're a great team. They punished us on our mistakes and we weren't able to take advantage when we had chances in their end."
Azaad Liadi and Matt Wilson scored the goals for Saginaw in the first half to give the visitors a 2-0 lead going into halftime.
The Eagles played with the Cardinals for much of the second half, but as AU began sending more numbers forward, Saginaw was able to get behind the AU defense a couple times as Connor Rutz and Chris Jacovou added goals in the final 15 minutes.
Ashland worked up five corner kicks in the game and had chances going at the net, but Saginaw Valley State's defense was up to the task.
Freshman goalkeeper Dimitrius Karousos made five stops for the Eagles while Connor Keane had one save for Saginaw.
AU
MSOC/BB
