Eagles traveled to sister school in Daytona, lose pair
of games (October 29th and 30th, 2004)
The Eagles traveled to Daytona Beach for two of their last
three games of the 2004 season. Although, the young squad
returned home winless, it was a good trip for the ERAU students
as they were able to not only see the other side of their
university, but they also had the opportunity to visit the
Kennedy Space Center.
The title game pinned the Eagles of the Prescott campus
against the Eagles of Daytona Beach, who also happen to be
ranked 11th in the country and have put together a remarkable
season. The ERAU-AZ team knew that it would be a tough game,
but they were very excited for the chance to play against
the best. Although the game ended 13-0, handing the young
team their toughest loss of the season, the Eagles appreciated
the chance to play one of the best teams in the country.
"I would not be surprised if this team (Daytona Beach) went
on to win it all," said coach Barlow after the game. "They
have amazing talent and tremendous experience and it showed,
especially in the second half when they simply turned it
on scoring 10."
Despite the loss, Sean Kardous and Tyler Legge continued
to be solid performers for the Eagles. "Sean never gave up
and made his several diving clearances off the line helped
us t understand tenacity and a never say die
attitude," said coach Barlow of his defenders persistence
in the backfield. Legge was another solid contributor for
the Eagles and has been a driving force in the young defense
all season. "Despite the score line, Tyler earned the respect
and admiration of the ERAU
Daytona players by playing tough and forcing the Daytona
offense to go to goal opposite Tyler's position." All in
all, the game was a great learning experience and one that
has shown the ERAU Prescott team what they are striving to
become in the next few years.
Eagles finish home
games with a win against Alliant University (October
17th,
2004)
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Men’s soccer
team finished off their home schedule and sent their seniors
off with an impressive 2-0 win over the visiting Alliant
International University on senior recognition day.
On senior appreciation day, the ERAU Men’s soccer
team picked a great time to come alive and send their seniors
off with a victory. This game was dictated and dominated
in large stretches by the Eagles and it was the two goals
scored by senior Kyle Ford (7) that powered the Eagles to
victory. Kyle scored 10 minutes before the half time mark
on a beautifully taken free kick from 35 yards. The young
Eagles then took that lead into halftime and were confident
that they could finish the game off.
The second half was more of the same as the Eagles won loose
balls, created chance after chance and thoroughly outplayed
the Alliant International University team. It was another
goal by Kyle Ford, following a tactical substitution by Coach
Barlow, that really sealed the deal on this day and powered
the Eagle team to a final score line of 2-0.
Seniors Kyle Ford, Christian Lakars, Keith Coombs, Gianni Manganelli and Graduate
Student, Chad Fortin were honored at halftime for the selfless sacrifice and
energy to the ERAU club program that has become the intercollegiate team that
we have today. Thank you gentlemen! Westminster College defeat ERAU Eagles
2-0, in a game that was much closer than the score line indicates.
(October 16th, 2004)
The Embry-Riddle Men’s soccer team came ready to play
Saturday night as five players were making their next to
last appearance on the varsity field. Seniors Kyle Ford,
Christian Lakars, Gianni Manganelli, Keith Coombs and Graduate
Student, Chad Fortin were all in the starting lineup as the
Eagles dictated much of the run of play. Unlike, the first
encounter between these two teams where play was incredibly
chippy and physical, this match was a free flowing affair
that saw the Eagles control large stretches of the game.
The defense was tight, the ball was moving and the Eagles
were poised to seal the deal but a goal scored against the
run of play off of a corner kick by the Griffins of Westminster
saw the Eagles go down 1-0 deep into the second half. The
ERAU squad continued to press forward and were very unlucky
not to get the equalizer after a superb combination of passes
ended in a shot that sailed tantalizing by the post. In the
end, it was a questionable penalty call in the dying moments
of the game that saw the Eagles go down to the final score
of 2-0.
Coach Barlow stated after the game, “the team, collectively
and individually, finally played with an intensity and a
focus that has eluded us. The guys played well enough to
win and the final score is in no means indicative of the
game itself. There were some great lessons learned from this
particular game and I look forward to seeing this team build
on those lessons.”
NCAA II Metro State defeats Embry-Riddle 10-0 on a spectacularly
clear sunny day in Denver Colorado.
ERAU started out strong, but eventually fell to the Roadrunners
in a game that highlighted the youth and inexperience of
the Eagle squad. Senior Kyle Ford hit the bar in the opening
10 minutes that could have changed the outcome and the momentum
of the game but it was the Eagle defense that surrendered
3 soft goals in 5-minutes that spelled the end. The Eagle
Men had troubles all day containing the Roadrunners on set
plays and an inability to communicate hurt their chances
to come back.
This game was another step in the maturation and learning
curve for the young team and certainly will help them understand
the consistent level of play that is required to compete
at the intercollegiate level. Outstanding performers for
the Eagles were Sean Kardous and Kyle Ford.
However, many of the lessons learned on Saturday were seen
as positive as the Eagles Embry-Riddle dominated the run
of play but came away short, 1-0 to the Johnson and Wales
Wildcats.
It was a frustrating way to end the road trip as the Eagle
squad outshot the wildcats 24-6 but couldn’t find the
back of the net to change the final score line. The Eagles
certainly played well enough to win and seemed to put the
previous game behind them. The games outstanding performances
were Kyle Ford, Tyler Legg, Sean Kardous and Nipah Ardkwah.
The Eagles head home where they will take on Westminster
College on 10/16/04 at 7:00pm and their final home match
and senior recognition game with Alliant University on 10/17/04
at The Varsity Field.
Embry-Riddle loses to Biola University 4-0, but shows strength
in a re-match of Master’s College (September 17th
and 18th, 2004)
Improvement was evident, but it not enough, as Biola scored
four and the Eagles were left to ponder their next game versus
The Master College.
Player of the game, for either team was Troy Elliott, who
led the way for the Eagles as his performance was outstanding
and once again secured his spot as one of the best players
in Region II. Troy’s leadership and sublime play helped
the team perform for stretches but overall inexperience at
critical times showed again that failure to apply pressure
on the ball spelled trouble for the Eagles. Despite these
troubles, the young Eagles had their chances as Rafael Ferreira
rang the bar at the 10-minute mark, and again barely missed
a free kick that sailed high and would have given ERAU the
lead, changing the momentum of the game.
Coach Barlow stated that “The game is supposed to
be about the players, unfortunately tonight it wasn’t.
I am proud of my guys because we still have witnessed a tremendous
amount of growth in this young team, especially as the teams
we are playing are already established and have been through
these tough roads. We’re competitive now and that is
a huge upside.”
This upside was definitely obvious the next night when the
Eagles played a very talented Master’s College. This
re-match was a perfect display of the stride the Eagles have
made from late August to mid September, with Eagles having
quality chances and only conceding one goal from a rare defensive
mistake.
The Eagles showed huge improvements in playing a team that
had beaten them 7-0 just a few weeks earlier. The back line
of Sean Kardous, Troy Elliott and Tyler Legg came ready to
play and it showed, as The Masters College had very little
room to operate. In addition, the midfield play by Josh Martinez,
Griffin Hunt, and Rafael Ferreira spelled trouble all night
long for the experienced TMC squad. Looking sharp and focused
the Eagles played well and were unfortunate not to get a
result other than a loss. Despite heavy rains at the beginning
of the game, the field stayed solid and both teams tried
to impact their style on the other. Embry-Riddle was the
team that was looking to possess and TMC were content to
play a very direct style. It was the direct style that has
troubled the Eagle defense all year, but they cam ready and
almost stole a win or at least a tie from a very good Master’s
team.
The Eagle look to keep the momentum of playing well into
their next match which is this Saturday 25, 2004 versus Point
Loma of San Diego on The Varsity Field.
Eagles lose unattractive physical match versus respected
independent foe, Westminster College, in opening round of
the Westminster Invitational, 4-1. (September 10th, 2004)
The Eagles learn that it sometimes takes more than skill
to win matches in the NAIA. In a hotly contested and sometimes
reckless game, the Eagles were served up a large helping
of home cooking by the Griffins of Westminster college that
taught the Eagles that they need to answer the bell physically
to be successful at this level. Westminster opened the scoring
at the 20-minute mark through some basic unattractive, yet
effective, long ball soccer. ERAU struck back 5 minutes later
with Senior Kyle Ford seeing that the Griffin keeper was
off his line played a 40 yard ball over his head and into
the corner to knot the game at 1-1. After a succession of
fouls that never let either team to find a rhythm it became
apparent that this game was going to be a knock down affair.
The first half saw the Griffins content to play long ball
while the Eagles were trying to possess and string passes
together. Despite some questionable refereeing that only
encouraged the dangerous physical play, it was Westminster
that took advantage and scored their second to go up 2-1
going into the half time break.
Standouts for the Eagles were Senior Striker Kyle Ford, Junior
transfer Troy Elliot and Freshmen Tyler Legg and Chris Aldrich.
The second half was more of the same, physical long ball
soccer by the Griffins and the Eagles trying to figure out
how to possess and string some quality balls together despite
the fouls. Westminster struck for 2 more goals late that
makes the score line look bigger than the action on the field.
ERAU attacking woes continue with a 2-0 loss to
Regional #3 Albertsons College to finish last in the Westminster
Invitational
Tournament. (September 11th, 2004)
The Eagles defense came ready to play but the inability
of the attacking players to hold the ball, pass the ball
and make proper runs on time troubled the young team from
the start. The inexperience and the lack of field awareness
showed, as Albertson College controlled the tempo but couldn’t
crack the resilient defense until the last 5 minutes of the
first half.
With the wind at their backs in the second half the Eagles
were confident that they would turn the run of play and get
the equalizer. Unfortunately, the same story unfolded in
the second half. The defense would hold, gain possession,
and play to the frontrunners only to see the ball turned
over with Albertson attacking again. Albertson eventually
scored again in the second half to extend their lead to 2-0
with the Eagles trying to mount some kind of an attack. Standouts
for the Eagles were the entire defense from goalkeeper Chris
Lakars making some outstanding saves, to the backline of
Sean Kardous, Troy Elliot, Tyler Legg, Chad Fortin and Shane
Harrell.
Play continues for the ERAU Eagles when they host a home
match against Biola University on Friday, September 17th
at 5:00pm and Masters College on Saturday, September 18th
at 7:00pm. See you there!
Men travel to Mississippi, play two, tie the first, lose
the second (September 10th and 11th, 2004)
In the most dominating display of soccer all season for
the ERAU Men’s Soccer team, the team settles for a
1-1 draw with Huston-Tillotson from Austin Texas at William-Carey
College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
The Eagles put it all together in this game, out shooting
H-T 24-6 but settled for a 1-1 draw. The ERAU team had many
opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the old
onion bag until Junior transfer Troy Elliot (2) opened the
scoring in the first half and it appeared that the Eagles
would run away with the game, but missed opportunities and
an inability to finish would come back to haunt the young
Eagle team. The possession was excellent, as the team had
contributions from everyone except where it matters…the
score line.
The second half was the same as H-T crossed mid field only
6 times. The team kept the pressure on but couldn’t
break the game open but still had the majority of possession.
The back line of Sophomore Sean Kardous, Freshman Tyler Legg
and Freshman Chris Aldrich held strong until the last minute
of play when a loose ball squirted to an H-T player, who
appeared to be offsides, and the game was surprisingly tied.
Coach Barlow lamented the lost opportunities but commented, “The
team played well and unfortunately we didn’t get the
result the team deserved today. Hopefully we can build off
of this performance and use this as a lesson about finishing
an opponent off.”
The team will take a day off in New Orleans on September
5th and then play host William-Carey College on the 6th.
The game on the sixth proved to be another test for the
Eagles as they faced a very talented William-Carey squad.
The young Eagle team played undermanned as a result of disciplinary
team issues, but got a host of contributions from Freshman
Adam Roberts in goal, Graduate student Chad Fortin and Freshman
Joshua Martinez on the field. The Eagles were game but it
was the experience of the older William-Carey squad that
eventually broke down the defense for a 2-goal halftime lead.
The Eagles struggled to get possession in the attacking third
of the field, which ultimately put pressure on the defense.
The Eagles were able to win balls but unforced turnovers
again proved costly.
Despite some halftime tactical changes it was much of the
same in the second half as the Eagles were very charitable
as they gave W-C possession over and over again through unforced
turnovers. The Eagles gave the ball away to easily and applied
too little pressure on the ball, which resulted in 3-second
half goals.
This trip proved a difficult but valuable learning experience
from the discipline issues to the tactical awareness, which
the ERAU team is sorely missing, Coach Barlow stated, “The
team has a few players with legitimate intercollegiate experience
but it is the untested returning club players and the incoming
freshman that are faced with the largest learning curve.
From the speed of play, speed of thought and the physical
nature of the college game, the players are faced with new
tests every game. Our schedule is challenging but I believe
that the lessons learned WILL make us contenders in the very
near future. I look forward to a few days of good practices
before we go to Salt Lake City and play in the Westminster
Invitational Tournament next weekend.”
The ERAU Men’s Soccer team continues its season when
they travel to Salt lake city on September 10th and take
on Westminster College of SLC and Albertson College of Idaho
in the Westminster Invitational Tournament at the West Jordan
Soccer Complex.
Men's Soccer dominates first thirty minutes, can't finish
After an inspired first thirty minutes by the Eagles, #4
Fresno Pacific pulls away for a 7-0 victory at Steinert Field
on the campus of Fresno Pacific on 8-28-04.
Your Eagles started out dominating the first thirty minutes
of the game with the first 5 shots coming from Senior Kyle
Ford and Senior Keith Coombs. Fresno Pacific was on their
heels as ERAU continued to possess and attack. The young
Eagle squad was unable to hold as Fresno Pacific scored
a soft goal against the run of play and then added a second
one 2 minutes later on a deflection that froze keeper Chris
Lakars.
The Eagle squad continued to attack, but were unable to crack
the tough FP defense as Fresno Pacific showed their class
by scoring two outstanding goals before the half time buzzer,
which appeared to demoralize the Eagles for a few minutes.
The second half saw the Eagles go down to ten men as senior
standout Kyle Ford was ejected for a physical foul that sent
the opposing player from the game. Down to ten men the Eagles
fought and scrapped the entire game but they eventually fell
to FPU 7-0.
Despite the loss Coach Barlow feels that the game will prove
to be an invaluable learning experience, as the young Eagle
squad was exposed to the very best that NAIA men’s
soccer has to offer. The chance to compete against the very
best was a great experience for the young program and will
only help them as they learn the level of play that will
be needed to be successful. Standouts were Junior transfer
Troy Elliot, Sophomore Sean Kardous, Freshman Tyler Legg.
Game Stats
Embry-Riddle men’s soccer
team drops disappointing loss, 7-0
ERAU traveled to the Fresno Pacific University Soccer Classic
on Friday the 27th, to play #11 ranked The Masters College
and #4 ranked Fresno Pacific University over the weekend.
The men were ready to face their first NAIA competition
and see exactly where the bar is set.
The Eagles started out sluggish trying to shake off the
travel to Fresno Pacific University, but it was The Masters
College who came out with all guns blazing. The staunch Eagle
defense was off, allowing three unanswered goals in the first
half and allowing TMC the run of play. Although Eagle players
Sean Kardous and Kyle Ford came to play it wasn’t enough
as TMC dominated the first half.
The second half was the same story as the Eagle players
were slow to react, slow to play and waiting versus engaging.
Although, Coach Barlow made many changes it didn’t
change the score line as TMC scored four more times and ERAU
missed a penalty kick to solidify the final score line at
7-0.
“Our players are learning the level of play in the
NAIA and we must not forget that we have a very young team.
We are grateful that Fresno Pacific University invited us
to participate in this prestigious soccer classic, as it
allows for us to play against the top teams in NAIA and learn
what it will take to climb the ladder of rankings,” stated
Coach Barlow after the game. “Although it was a tough
defeat, the lessons learned will make us a better team in
the future.”
Game Stats
Eagle Men lose heartbreaker to #9 Ranked NJCAA Chandler-Gilbert
3-2. (August 25, 2004)
The Embry-Riddle Men’s Soccer team took to the field
against NJCAA #9 Ranked Chandler-Gilbert in a hotly contested
game Wednesday afternoon at ERAU’s Varsity Soccer Field.
Although CGCC held most of the possession early, it was the
goal by ERAU’s Keith Coombs that put the Eagles in
front 1-0. The Eagles took the lead into halftime and were
looking for more after the break.
However, it was CGCC that struck first in the second half
with a series of passes that broke down the staunch Eagle
defense. Feeling the momentum change, CGCC kept up the pressure
and broke through for a second goal midway through the half.
With the score line 2-1 the Eagles were infused with a new
vigor. The Eagles fought back, twice ringing the woodwork,
but did not score until Richard Coombs was brought down in
the box and a penalty kick was given. Captain Troy Elliott
calmly stepped up and tied the game.
The game ended in a bizarre fashion as the referee called
a penalty kick against the Eagles in injury time and against
the run of play but the call stood up and Chandler-Gilbert
left Prescott with a 3-2 win.
Coach James Barlow stated after the game, “our guys
showed a lot of character today. I have been training the
team hard the last two days and I think they were a little
tired today. This game could have gone the other way very
easily.”
Game Stats Men face Mesa at home, Tie (August 23rd, 2004)
The Eagles continued their streak of games at home in
front of an enthusiastic crowd on Monday as they faced Mesa
Community
College at 5:00 pm. The men who were coming off a huge
victory over eight-time Canadian National Champions, Capilano
College
came out again on Monday to win. They
took the field with confidence and played a very strong
possession style of soccer. “We were able to increase
our possession by winning more second chance opportunities,
which in turn allowed us to play at a faster tempo and keep
Mesa on their heels,” stated Coach Barlow after the
game.
Senior Kyle Ford netted his second goal of the season,
by winning the second chance ball and then beating two
defenders
before he drove a ball just passed the outstretched arms
of Mesa’s goalkeeper. The Eagles then held the play
for another ten minutes before giving up a goal from a ball
that was played through and mishandled by the Eagle defense.
Despite this equalizer, the Eagles continued to dominate
but could not seem to find the back of the net and the game
ended in a 1-1 draw.
The men will play again on Wednesday against Chandler-Gilbert
Community College at 5:00 pm and look to keep their current
undefeated season hopes alive. “As a young program,
we appreciate the level of competition we have seen thus
far from in-state colleges and we look forward to another
spirited game on Wednesday.”
Game Stats
Men's Soccer Takes on Capilano College, WINS (August 21st,
2004)
The Embry Riddle Men's Soccer team faced the reigning Canadian
National Champions in their first home match of the year
and won. Capilano College faced five-time NJCAA National
Champions Yavapai College on August 20th, the night before
the match with ERAU and played to a 0-0 tie in 110 minutes
of continuous back and forth action. But it was Riddle that
showed who was top in the Prescott area, with a 1-0 victory
over Capilano at the Varsity soccer complex.
Kyle Ford, a senior leader for the Eagles, put the game
winning goal on the scoreboard from a throw-in by Freshman
Dane Mickelson in the 65th minute. The game was well fought
and both teams had quality chances, but it was ERAU that
held the tempo and most of the play. Both teams posted 8
shots, the keeper from Capilano, Dennis Kindall with 3 saves
and Chris Lakars, from ERAU also saving 3.
The action began rough as both teams jockeyed for control
of the game, but was quickly settled by the veteran referee
crew. Although it was just a friendly scrimmage, ERAU felt
as if it had something to prove. The team watched the Capilano
versus Yavapai game the night before and knew that with a
win they would look to be on par with the level of play that
Prescott has grown accustomed to seeing from their local
college teams.
The men will look to continue this success as they face
Mesa Community College on Monday night, August 23rd at 5:00
pm and Chandler-Gilbert Community College on Wednesday, August
25th at 5:00pm. Come catch what will prove to be another
quality game from this powerful group of young men.
Game Stats
Men’s
Soccer Looks forward to Year Two (August 16th, 2004) The
2004 Men’s Soccer
team looks to begin its second year of intercollegiate play
with the home opener against
defending Canadian Champions, Capilano College. The 2004
season looks to be a year of growth and development
as Coach James Barlow takes the reigns. The season begins
with a string recruiting class, with two players coming
from Junior Colleges, two players joining the team
from the international
ranks and eight players coming from all over the countries
best area high schools.
“
Recruitment went well this year with many who have a positive
winning and successful soccer background. We have players
coming in from all over the western states and even some
from Brazil and Nigeria,” boasted Coach Barlow. “This
group brings a lot of attacking flair with other players
having defensive experience. I see these players making an
immediate impact on the Men’s Soccer Program. I am
excited about the future of the program.
The main goals for the 2004 season are to compete against
the many battle tested opponents that comprise the schedule
and ultimately make a name for Embry-Riddle Prescott with
an over all winning record. Off the field, we strive to raise
and establish our team GPA. Finally, we want to combine both
on and off the field success with enjoying our first full
NAIA season.
James Barlow has been named head
coach for 2004 season (February 10th, 2004)
Larry K. Stephan,
Athletic Director at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University,
in Prescott
Arizona announced
the appointment of Mr. James Barlow as head coach of the
ERAU Men's Soccer team. The Men's Soccer team will commence
its
2nd full season on intercollegiate competition in the Fall
of 2004.
James Barlow brings a wealth of soccer experience to ERAU,
having been involved with soccer for over 30 years. Coach
Barlow is resigning as Assistant Coach of the Men's Soccer
team at Consumes River College in Elk Grove, CA, where the
team posted a 19-1-3 record in 2003 and a #3 national ranking.
Coach Barlow played 14 years as a professional and semi-professional
soccer player after being part of the 1981 Foothill College
soccer team that garnered the 1981 National and California
State Junior College Championship. In addition, Coach Barlow
holds a "B" coaching license from the United States
Soccer Federation and a National Diploma from the National
Soccer Coaches Association of America. Coach Barlow will focus
on recruiting athletic talented, academically motivated student
athletes to build the fledgling program. Coach Barlow stated
"Embry Riddle has been ranked as a "number 1 choice"
for Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering schools
by US News and World Reports 2004 'Best Colleges' guide and
I believe we can have a men's soccer program worthy of comparison."
In addition, Coach Barlow's father was an Air Force pilot
and retired United Airlines Captain that has assisted James
in "having a personal background to understand the aeronautical
culture, academic standards and pursuit of excellence inherent
to aviation professions."
Coach Barlow succeeds Professor Chuck Cone as the head coach
of the men's soccer program. Professor Cone served as the
men's soccer club advisor for 12 years and assisted the club
in making the transition to an intercollegiate team in the
Fall of 2003. Dr. Cone returns to his duties as Department
Chair of Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
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