CRESSON -- On Monday afternoon, the Mount Aloysius Men's Soccer team fought hard, but came up just short as they lost to Eastern University, 1-0.

A rematch of last years' Labor Day drubbing, the 1-0 match was a vast improvement for Mount Aloysius. The previous matchup was also won by Eastern, 7-1.

Eastern came into today, ranked #15 in the United Soccer Coaches' Poll.

The first half was a stalemate 0-0. There were only a few legitimate scoring chances for either team. The first came from Eastern in the 16th minute, when off a corner kick, a foul  was committed in the box, by Erik Johansson (Malmö, Sweden, ProCivitas Privata Gymnasium) which ended up in a yellow card. The ensuing penalty kick went high by Alex Truppi and the score stayed 0-0.

About five minutes later, the Eagles had another chance which was also saved by James Eyre (West Bilney, England, Nicholas Hamond Academy). The Mounties had their first chance in the 28th minute, with a shot by Joshua Devlin (Southend-on-Sea, England, Seevic College) that was one of two shots on goal by Mount Aloysius. 

Into the second half, the Eagles continued to control possession of the game, with the ball being played mainly in their offensive end. It led to fruition when, in the 58th minute, the Eagles sent a cross into the box where Matthew Mitchell was standing. Mitchell kicked toward the goal, which was redirected past Eyre by Julio Ardon, for his first goal of the season.

The Mounties made the game interesting late. While giving the Eastern defense all they could handle, the Mountie men got a shot on goal, via a header from Luke Bicanic (Brisbane, Australia, John Paul College) in the 90th minute. That ended up being their best and last scoring chance of the game.

Mount Aloysius played tough against their nationally-ranked opponent. Their schedule stays tough this week, when they travel to University Heights, OH to take on John Carroll, who is also receiving some national recognition. They will also have to see Penn State Behrend later in the year, who is currently ranked 16th.

Their game against John Carroll, will take place on Friday at 7 PM.