Marietta, GA. - The Running Eagles hosted #3 William Carey on Lupo Family Field Friday evening in a thrilling game between the two ranked teams. After a toughly contested first half, neither team found the back of the net in the opening 45. Life U fell short in the 2-1 loss but fought hard throughout the game. 

The Running Eagles started off the game strong holding possession and pushing down the Crusaders in their own half. Rebecca Noren had a beautiful cross early in the game which Life U couldn't capitalize on. Life U and William Carey kept battling throughout the first half with not much happening. 

The Crusaders stepped up their game a few minutes into the first half and started to push down the Running Eagles into their own half. Both teams created a couple of chances, but neither of the teams could capitalize. The Crusaders led the first half in shot advantage 10-5 while the Running Eagles led in corner kicks 3-2. The two teams went into half time, 0-0.

William Carey started off the second half strong and pushed down Life U in their own half to create chances early on after half time. In the 50th minute, the Crusaders Esalenna Galekhutle capitalized on a rebound off a blocked shot to put the Crusaders ahead on the scoreboard, 1-0.  The Running Eagles kept battling and were able to get into the game again. It was a tough battle on Lupo Family Field where both teams showed hunger to win. Throughout the rest of the second half, both teams created promising chances. 

In the 78th minute, the Running Eagles were able to create yet another chance when Sienna Strapp crossed a ball into the box for Jeanne Brigand to control and calmly place into the net to equalize the game, 1-1. Only a few minutes later, in the 80th minute, William Carey dribbled down the right side of the field to find a cross right in front of the goal to once again take the lead. 

Life U wasn't done yet and kept attacking with Jeanne Brigand being a threat to the Crusaders defense. Freshman goalkeeper Justine Candel had an impressive seven saves throughout the game. Coming to an end of the game, neither of the teams were able to capitalize on any chances and the final whistle was blown, ending the game 2-1 to the Crusaders. 

Next up, the Running Eagles host University of Mobile in SSAC play for Senior Day on Lupo Family Field at 1:30 PM to celebrate the seniors in the program. 
 

TURNING POINTS:

– The Crusaders scored in the 50th minute to take the lead.

– Jeanne Brigand scored the equalizer to keep the game going.

– The Crusaders scored a second goal quickly after Life to once again take the lead.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

– The Crusaders out shot the Running Eagles 18-14.

– There was 25 fouls between the two teams including seven cards .