RADFORD, Va. – A strong start turned into a tough hill to climb after a 15
th minute red card left the Radford Men's Soccer team playing a man down, and eventually led to a 3-0 loss to Elon at Cupp Stadium on Tuesday night.
"I thought soccer-wise we started off really well and I was really pleased with how we were playing," said Head Coach
Chris Barrett. "Obviously the red card set us back but I was really proud of my guys tonight and how we dealt with adversity and to keep playing hard."
The Phoenix took a 1-0 lead on a penalty kick after senior defender
Octavio Ocampo was shown a straight red card for using his hand to block a shot on the empty net.
From then on, the visitors were able to dictate the tempo of the game, easily outshooting the Highlanders and adding two more goals to their tally before the end of the night – one in the 30
th minute and one in the 51
st.
A definite bright spot for Radford was freshman goalkeeper
Alex Eydelman, who played all 90 minutes in his first career start and made nine saves.
"We are a team that is showing a lot of character lately and it is showing on the field and in the locker room," added Coach Barrett. "We will regroup and get ready for our last two big conference games."
COACH BARRETT ON ELON'S COACH REEVES
"It was great to have Mark Reeves and his family back in Radford and at Cupp Stadium. He did so much for Radford soccer and he, his staff, and his players deserved all the success they acheived in his time here."
KEY STATS
- Both teams utilized their depth, with Elon subbing in 13 players and Radford subbing in 12
- Giovanni Vasquez put a shot on goal early in the first half, forcing a tough save by the Elon goalkeeper that pushed the ball up and off the crossbar
- Patrick Siczek was responsible for Radford's other shot attempt
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Winthrop for a crucial Big South matchup this Saturday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. The two teams are tied for 4
th in the Big South standings at nine points apiece heading into the contest.
FOLLOW RADFORD MEN'S SOCCER
For more information on the Radford men's soccer team follow @RadfordMSOC on Twitter and Instagram or Radford Men's Soccer on Facebook.