MOBILE, Ala. - Following a 2-2 tie with LSU-Shreveport one night prior, the University of Mobile Men's Soccer team hosted Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at home and earned their first win of the season, defeating ERAU, 3-1. The win advances No. 2 Mobile's overall record to 1-0-1.
In a match that was set to be played on the turf field at Satsuma High School due to heavy rain received earlier in the week, Mobile Head Coach Daniel Whelan made a decision to move Saturday's match back to the Jungle on the campus of the University of Mobile. Field conditions improved enough for the match to be played, officially marking Saturday's contest as the first home match of the season for the Rams.
Embry-Riddle, who entered the season receiving votes for entry in the NAIA Men's Soccer Top 25 Poll, also played the night prior, tying Thomas University, 1-1. Both teams entered Saturday night with 24 hours of rest before the first whistle.
Early Goals Gives Mobile Momentum
As the match began, Mobile quickly had the edge over ERAU, keeping the ball deep into enemy territory and hitting the scoreboard first in just the second minute. Defender Christopher McKenna notched his first goal of the season off a deflected save by the ERAU goalkeeper. Later in the first half, Mobile newcomer Chiedu Ikeme joined McKenna in scoring his first goal of the season in the 27th minute off a pass from Maxime Benoit, who was awarded the assist. The Rams took a 2-0 lead to halftime.
In the second half, ERAU played with more intensity, attempting to cut the deficit in half. The Eagles did just that in the 48th minute, scoring their first goal of the match to make it a 2-1 game. However, Mobile scored an insurance goal late to go up two scores with just eight minutes remaining. Lucas Ros came away with his first goal of the season following yet another deflected save. From there, the score would hold up in the Rams' favor, giving Mobile their first win of the year. Ty Turner picked up his first win of the season in the net as the junior made three saves on the night.
Two More Home Matches Next Weekend
After a 1-0-1 weekend, Mobile will return to action next Thursday, Aug. 25 with a 7:30 p.m. CT matchup at home against Southwestern Christian University. Later next weekend, the Rams are in for a tough battle as they host Vanguard University on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 11:00 a.m. CT.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
