The varsity Eagles returned home after a tough slate of road games to host the FHE Hawks on a sunny Thursday evening at Eagle Stadium. The Eagles started out strong, controlling possession and the pace of the game from the kickoff, stringing long passing sequences together and creating chances right from the kickoff. The Eagles got on the board first when senior Nick Cassiday played a ball through to fellow senior, Ben Kuiper to slot away his first goal of the season past the Hawk's goalkeeper. 

As the first half progressed, the Hawks began playing a more direct style and, after a missed tackle by the Eagles defense, found themselves with an open shot in the Eagles penalty area to score and even the tally 1-1. The Eagles maintained good composure and continued to work the ball around until senior Hans Pruis connected with Cassiday to slot home a far post shot and take the 2-1 lead at the half. 

The Hawks came out pressing hard in the 2nd half, looking for the equalizer, but the Eagles showed their teamwork, moving the ball and creating chances at goal while the Hawks looked to counter quickly whenever they got possession. Sophomore goalkeeper, Christian Dershem was called upon to make a diving save midway through the second half while the Eagles center backs, Jackson Mindling, Ethan Lenters and Eli Leegwater consistently thwarted the long ball from the Hawks.

With less than 10-minutes left in the match, the Eagles pressure on the Hawks defense resulted in an Eagles' penalty kick which Nick Cassiday put away cleanly to raise the tally to 3-1 in favor of the home side. With the game seemingly under control, the Eagles created two more scoring opportunities in the final minutes of the match, only to put the ball just wide of the goal on both attempts.  

The Eagles begin their OK White campaign on Tuesday evening at Gainey Athletic Complex when they host Lowell at 6:15 pm.