A physical battle on the field leaves the Cougars ready for their next opponent.
The Azusa Pacific University Men’s soccer team battled with rival Biola University at the Cougar Soccer Complex on Wednesday night. The Cornerstone Cup game was extremely physical and highlighted determination from both teams. The hard-fought game ended in a tie (1-1).
“I definitely knew it was going to be a very tight game. They’re a good team. We’ve had our ups and downs this year, but the guys were ready for it tonight,” said Coach Dave Blomquist.
Coming into the game, APU had a record of 3-7-2. They played Point Loma the previous weekend, losing to the tough matchup 3-4. This left the Cougars with a 1-2-1 conference record. Biola has been successful in conference play, entering the match on a 3-0-2 conference record and 4-3-5 overall record.
Biola kicked off the first half and was quick to get the ball upfield. The game started out fast-paced and physical. Seven fouls were called in the first 15 minutes. APU was aggressive offensively, taking 10 shots for the half. In the 32nd minute, a goal by Joseph Macpherson, #3, put APU in the lead 1-0.
Following the goal, APU gained momentum. Biola attempted to answer back with two back-to-back shots. The Cougars held their ground on defense with key stops from Macpherson and goalie Leo Moreno, #1. Several more fouls were called on both teams, totalling 14 for the first half, four of which were yellow cards.
To start the second half, APU kicked off the ball. The Eagles quickly got it to the Cougars side of the field, heading it in for a goal in the 2nd minute (1-1). Responding back, a shot by Gregoire Diep, #10, came up too long. Biola continued to be aggressive offensively, controlling the ball for much of the second half. Several more fouls and yellow cards were exchanged from both teams.
A red card on APU Shane Eaton, #21, in the 73rd minute left the team with only 10 players on the field. Biola went on to take three on-goal shots. In the 80th minute, a foul on APU in the penalty box gave the Eagles an opportunity to gain the lead. Ethan Hardin from Biola took the shot, but it was saved by APU goalie Moreno. This key save kept the Cougars in the game.
After his save on the penalty kick, Moreno shared that he likes to think he was just doing his job. “This is my time,” he said. “Every moment, every penalty has led up to this moment.”
In the last few minutes, both teams were scrambling to score a goal. Pressure from Biola’s offense made it hard for the Cougars to get the ball back. Two missed shots from the Eagles kept APU on their toes. A yellow card on APU Marco Astroga, #19, gave Biola a free kick and another opportunity to score a goal. The Cougar’s defense held off the goal attempt. In the final minute, two corner kicks from Biola were deflected out, ending the game in a tie (1-1).
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the win, but we dented their chances of winning the PacWest [Conference Title],” said Moreno.
After the game, Coach Blomquist highlighted the determination and grit from his team on the field. “Overall, the desire and the heart was there all the way to the end. They gave everything they had.”
In preparation for their next matchup, the Cougars have some key takeaways from this game . Coach Blomquist explained his team will be working on playing with the same determination and togetherness that they showed in this game.
“Everything good that has come this season was through hard work,” said Macpherson. “The quicker we realize that, and put it into games, I think will be better for the whole group.”
APU plays Chaminade University on Saturday, Oct. 22 following the Women’s game at the Cougar Soccer Complex at 7:30.