The AU Men's Soccer team lost two games this weekend in the Matador Soccer Invitational in California.
The Eagles fought hard but came up one goal short in both games, first losing Friday night to Cal State, Northridge 4-3, and then Sunday morning to Loyola Marymount, 3-2.
On Friday, the Eagles found themselves tied 3-3 after Shawn Kuykendall converted the penalty kick that resulted from a handball in the penalty box.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Matadors countered just minutes later when Willie Sims scored his third goal of the game. The sophomore received a pass from Ryan Rossi, turned and beat AU goalie Thomas Myers to the far post.
Although the Eagles kept the game close, the Matadors outshot them 23-15. The Eagles also received goals from sophomore Sal Caccavale and senior Charlie Koniver, which sent the Eagles into halftime ahead 2-1. Simms responded, scoring his first two goals in the first 20 minutes of the second half to put the Matadors up 3-2.
Sunday brought the same result for the Eagles. Kickoff was set for 10 a.m. PDT, and the Eagles came out sluggish.
"We lost both games this weekend in the second half, and I think it is because we are a bit tired," said American head coach Todd West. "I think if we can regroup we still have a chance to be a pretty good team this year."
Unlike Friday night when the Eagles took the lead, AU had to play catch-up on Sunday, despite outshooting the Lions 21-17.
Sophomore Garth Juckem had a solid game. He scored AU's first goal, making the score 2-1, and later hit the post with another shot with less than five minutes to go in the game.
Senior Sean Albright also added a goal and an assist in the losing effort.
The Eagles next take the field on Wednesday at 3 p.m. against George Washington University at Reeves Field.
