CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Alberto Morales scored and added an assist for the Queens (N.C.) Royals as they squeaked out a 2-1 victory over the Carson-Newman men's soccer team on Saturday afternoon at Queens Sports Complex in Charlotte, N.C.
The Eagles' second consecutive loss puts them at 1-2 in the South Atlantic Conference and 4-3 overall. Queens evens their conference mark at 2-2 and moves to 5-3 overall.
"Today was unlucky," Soccer Coach Richard Moodie said. "The ball wouldn't break for us and unfortunately the two times it did for them, they got a goal out of it. We had multiple opportunities, but their keeper played great."
Ryan Ejezie netted the difference-making goal in the 77th minute, as a pass from Morales led him towards the C-N net. Goalkeeper Joe Boyd (Nottingham, England) managed to get a piece of the ensuing shot, but wasn't able to prevent it from finding twine for what would prove to be the game-winner. The Eagles pushed for the tying score in the game's closing minutes, but the Royals refused to give up the lead. Carson-Newman finished the game with seven more shots than their opponent, but Queens goalie Sergio Lemus ended the day with eight saves.
The Royals broke on top first as Morales notched the day's first goal in the 12th minute. Daniel Faler sent a through ball towards the net and Morales raced past the C-N defense and beat Boyd to tally his second goal of the season.
The Eagles spent the next 25 minutes trying to tie the game before Tom Read (London, England) found the equalizer in the 37th minute. Handed a free kick via a Queens foul, Read beat the Royals' wall and placed the ball perfectly into the top right corner of the net. This score was Read's third this season, putting him in the team lead, and his second in three games, both on free kicks. Each squad searched for a chance to grab the lead after Read tied the game, and Queens would be the team that found the right opportunity. Their reward was three points in the standings.
"Mentally, we need to be able to rebound," Moodie said. "It's always tough when you lose, but you've got to use it as an opportunity to grow and learn."
Lenoir-Rhyne is up next on Carson-Newman's schedule and the Eagles will head to Hickory, N.C. on Wednesday for a 4:30pm match.
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