NEED TO KNOW: 

Score: Life U 2, Blue Mountain 1

Records: Life U, 8-3-2 (SSAC 4-3); Blue Mountain 2-7-4 (SSAC 2-5-1)

BLUE MOUNTAIN, Ms — The Life University men's soccer team battled to a late 2-1 win against Blue Mountain College Saturday afternoon.

The two teams went head to head in SSAC play. The first half was uneventful and scoreless, despite the Running Eagles holding a 5-1 shot advantage. 

Going into the second half, Life U continued to apply pressure and create chances. The Running Eagles stepped up their game and were able to dominate the Toppers in the attack, but, despite holding an impressive 21-2 shot advantage, Life U struggled to capitalize on the chances. 

It was not until the 70th minute that Sem Van Der Leer put the Running Eagles on the scoreboard. The Toppers refused to put their head down after conceding, and were able to equalize only one minute later. Up next, in the 72nd minute and only thirty seconds after the Toppers' equalizer, Van Der Leer once again threatened Blue Mountain's defense and was able to deliver an assist to Thomas Rodella who placed the ball in the back of the net. With the goal, the Running Eagles were once again in the lead, 2-1. 

Head Coach Alex Pama shared his thoughts on the performance, stating, "Conditions were not ideal but the boys played well. The second half was especially good as the guys took control and took the lead twice. We were unlucky a couple of times but we will take the win. Due to all the hurricanes we have to make up a lot of games, so with only 36 hours in between we go again on Monday. We will need our fantastic fans to help us through. We count on you!"

Up next, Life University will host Point University on Lupo Family Field Monday, October 21st at 4.30 PM.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

— Sem Van Der Leer contributed a goal and an assist in the win. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

— In total, Life U took 21 shots to Blue Mountains 2.

— The game totaled 26 fouls.