Match Recap:
To begin the 2025 regular season, the Eagles made the trip to Texas to face Southwestern Adventist University and Dallas Christian College. Their season opener came against the SWAU Knights, and from the opening whistle both sides fought hard for control and physical presence. The first 45 minutes saw plenty of back-and-forth play, but neither team could break through as the match headed into halftime scoreless.
The Eagles' 2025 starting lineup featured a number of new faces due to graduated seniors and roster absences. In goal was senior Nathaniel Hixson, making his first career start for the Eagles, with Boaz DaSilva, Caden Brink, and Jacob Bundy anchoring the defense. The midfield was manned by Eric Romero, Samir Vieira Siqueira, Caleb Veldman, Samuel Lima, and Odanci Ndayisaba, while Jackson Clarke and Reid Rhodes spearheaded the attack. From the early minutes, the tone of the game was established—physical play, tough challenges, and each side searching for momentum. The Eagles nearly found their opener in the 19th minute when sophomore forward Jackson Clarke spun past his defender and fired a shot that beat the goalkeeper but struck the post, keeping the score level at 0-0. Despite chances for both squads, neither could capitalize, sending the game into the half still tied.
The Eagles came into the second half aggressively, immediately forcing a turnover that led to extended possession and a dangerous corner kick, though the chance came up empty. Just minutes later, play was halted for nearly 20 minutes after a Knights player suffered a lower-body injury, bringing trainers onto the field. Both teams showed respect and support as play paused, and when action resumed with just under 40 minutes remaining, the Eagles held firm defensively as SWAU pressed for chances. With the clock winding down, opportunities arose on both ends, but neither side could find the breakthrough. A free kick from Samir Viera with seven minutes left nearly gave the Eagles the lead, but the Knights' keeper made the save.
Then, with only seconds left on the clock, freshman Jameson Bryant delivered the decisive moment. After a throw-in from the deep corner, the ball was worked back to Bryant outside the box. He unleashed a low drive that skipped across the slick grass, deflected off the goalkeeper, and found the bottom corner. The late strike not only secured the 1-0 victory for the Eagles, but also marked Bryant's first career goal in an Eagles uniform—an unforgettable game-winner to open the season.Â
What's Next:
This Saturday, August 23rd the Eagles will remain in Texas to match up against Dallas Christian College at 4:00 PM. Tune in and watch the Eagles try to close out their road trip with two wins in Texas over NCCAA DII opponents!
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