Eagles Stunned In Opening Round

Elgin, IL - After making it through the conference regular season unbeaten, and riding a 9-1-1 home record, the Eagles seemed to be primed for a major playoff run. But, that is why they play the games. 

As the #2 seed, Judson hosted the #7 seed Holy Cross. The Saints came in with a record of 5-7-6 to the Eagles 10-3-5 record. In the regular season, the two teams tied at Holy Cross 1-1. But surely at home the Eagles would be able to control the pace and play with a lead. 

Holy Cross came out pesky as a team that JU could not quite find a rhythm against. Shots in the first half were minimal as Judson led 9-4 in shots going into the break with the scored tied at zero. 

The game had the feel of the first goal would win. Suddenly in the 53rd minute, Holy Cross set up for a corner kick, and off of two headers, was able to squeeze the ball into the corner of the net for a goal, and the lead. 

Co-captains Gabriel Uno and Gabriel Trevisan really carried the Eagles with their will and determination. They were constantly trying to push past defenders out on the wings to set things up. The duo combined for 7 of the team's 23 shots. Ruben Ledesma and Matheus Duarte Torres also played well in the midfield. 

The Eagles outshot the Saints 14-1 in the second half. They got chances, but just could not crack through on the scoreboard. On this day, it was just not meant to be for JU as they fell 1-0 to the Saints. 

With the stunning home loss, Judson is now out of the CCAC playoffs as Holy Cross is the team that moves on. 

Judson now has a small hope for an at-large bid to the NAIA tournament, or almost certainly an invite to the NCCAA tournament where they will look to get this loss past them.