Box Score MADISON, Wis. – A strong second half yet again proved to be the deciding factor in the Edgewood College men's soccer game. Concordia University Chicago scored the game's first goal, but the Eagles stormed back behind a pair of second half goals to take the victory 3-1.
It was a physical first half as nearly the only thing happening in the first 25 minutes was fouls for both teams. At the 24:44 mark, the Cougars drew first blood on just the third shot of the game as Taylor Nehmer slid a goal across the box past a diving Matt Dammen. After the two teams traded shots back and forth, Edgewood College capitalized on an opportunity in the 41st minute. Both teams were packed in the Eagles' box following a Cougars' shot, but Jake Owen leaked out to receive a pass and laid up a perfect ball for a streaking Stephen Gilbert. Gilbert stepped in front of his man and drilled a shot right between the keeper's legs for the equalizer.
The second half was all Edgewood College, as the Eagles (4-2-1, 1-0 NACC) led 6-0 in the shot column after the break. The physical play continued as 17 fouls were handed out in the second half alone. In the 76th minute, Edgewood College took advantage of a Concordia Chicago miscue. After a Cougar hand ball in the box, Kelmend Isaj was selected to take the penalty kick and he fired it low to the keepers left for the go-ahead score.
For the next ten minutes, Edgewood College was successfully playing keep away to maintain the lead, but Owen saw another opportunity for a score. The junior received the ball in the middle of the box and fed Gilbert who poked a shot past the keeper who attempted to approach the play.
The pair of goals for Gilbert were the first two of the season for the junior. Owen's two assists were also his first of the year. Isaj's penalty kick goal gave him two on the year.
Edgewood College will look to extend their streak of games without a loss to six as they host Marian University this Wednesday. Live video and live stats will be provided on EdgewoodCollegeEagles.com.
