Meza Tremendous in Goal Despite Loss to UPike
Waleska, GA - The Eagles played their final AAC game of the season on Saturday night at Ken White Field. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Eagles were narrowly defeated with a final score of 1-0.
The first half of the game saw both teams playing a tightly matched defense, with neither side able to break the deadlock, leaving the halftime score at 0-0. The Reinhardt Eagles, led by goalie Andree Meza, who impressively saved 11 shots throughout the game, held off the Bears' offense during most of the match. Meza kept the Eagles in the game with a chance to tie the contest all the way unil the end. He took numerous point-blank range shots that were incredibly saved and had the Bears' attack in disbelief.
The game's only goal came from Pikeville's Samuel Cristancho, who managed to score in the second half, securing the win for the Bears. Cristancho's performance was notable, as he was the only one who could get a ball past Meza's defense of his goal. Reinhardt University, playing at home, struggled to counterattack and ultimately could not equalize before the final whistle.
Reinhardt does have the remainder of the September 24th game with CIU that was postponed because of lightning in Waleska that night. The game was in favor of the Eagles, 3-1, before being called. This game could be an important one for the Eagles as they could use the win to keep them in the running for postseason play.
The loss adjusts Reinhardt University's season record to 4-8-2 overall and 4-6-1 in the AAC. More information should be released soon on the remainder of the CIU contest. The game will either be played this upcoming week or possibly given to the Eagles with their 3-1 advantage. The added win may or may not be enough for the Eagles to make the AAC postseason list. The top 8 teams will make the AAC Tournament on the men's side.
