The AU men's soccer team suffered a frustrating loss on Wednesday, falling to George Washington University 2-1 and dropping to 3-4 on the season.
The Eagles had the first chance to score early on when sophomore JP Kuykendall aimed an 18-yarder to the right corner of the net. The shot was saved by Colonial goalkeeper Greg Yahr to spoil American's chance to take an early lead, which instead went to GW when senior Joseph Siegel scored in the 19th minute.
American bounced back six minutes later when sophomore Phillip Purdy assisted senior Larry Mark in getting the equalizer, his third goal of the season.
The Colonials got a break right before halftime, when senior Byron Walker scored on AU goalkeeper Chris Sedlak off a throw-in from GW's Matt Davis. The goal put the Colonials ahead 2-1 going into the break.
The Eagles had plenty of chances to score in the second, but couldn't overcome the Colonials' strong defense, which held them scoreless for the entire half. Senior Sal Caccavale missed a free-kick in the 67th minute, while Purdy and freshman Cooper Bryant each botched headers in the final two minutes of the game.
Following the game, AU head coach Todd West could not be reached for comment.
GW head coach George Lidster was impressed by the Eagles' efforts.
"American possessed the ball well and we were chasing them, which we somewhat expected. . It was a hard-fought win, we'll take it," said Lidster in an interview with GWSports.com
AU outshot GW 20-14 and out-cornered them 9-1. Eagle goalie Sedlak made two saves compared with the Colonials' Yahr, who stopped six.
The Eagles take on Lafayette this Saturday, Sept. 16, beginning at 7 p.m. in Easton, Pa.
