Crusaders Fall 2-1 In Second Game Of The Season
Egg Harbor Township (May 29, 2012) – A week ago the Crusaders started their season showing great promise for the remainder of the season. However following this past weekend’s performance where the Crusaders lost 2-1, one has to wonder where the previous composure has gone.
Within the first five minutes Chad Severs was able to slot a shot in off the far post giving the Crusaders a 1-0 lead. The Crusaders looked destined to continue their high offensive production from the previous contest into this game, however the scoring well seemed to have dried up. The absence of Jeremy Ortiz due to injury was certainly a factor contributing to a stagnant offense.
While the Crusaders carried a 1-0 lead into half time, the home team did not seem like their usual selves, and were visibly discontent with the close game.
The second half kicked off in a manner similar to the way the first half ended, with both sides struggling to gain any offensive momentum in their favor. The Jersey City Eagles were able to capitalize on a stray pass as a result of miscommunication between the goalkeeper and back line. This lucky break for the Eagles was just enough of a momentum changer to gain new life. The Crusaders soon found themselves on their heels trying to avert a series of attacks by the Eagles.
With fifteen minutes left in the game, an offside Eagles player received the ball and darted straight towards goal netting the game winner. The four officials in the game missed what seemed to have been a blatant infraction.
Following the goal, the Eagles began to sit back and ride the game out to the final whistle. The Crusaders would not go down without a fight, having a series of attacks on goal yet to no avail.
The game ended with a final score of 2-1 in favor of the Eagles and the Crusaders will look to turn their luck around with a win on Wednesday May 30th at the Morris County Colonials.
