WINTER PARK, Fla. – The Tars lost a physical battle at Cahall-Sandspur Field on Wednesday night, falling 2-1 to Embry-Riddle in a chaotic match that featured 11 cards, 31 fouls, and an hour-and-a-half weather delay.
Rollins opened with possession, drawing the first set piece of the match. The attempt came up empty but helped set the tone for much of the first half.
Finlay Prain found a trio of early opportunities, putting pressure on the Embry-Riddle back line.
The battle for possession quickly turned physical as the Eagles began to work their way into the match. Embry-Riddle threatened with a pair of dangerous free kicks, but the Rollins defense held firm to keep the match scoreless.
The Tars earned another corner but once again came up empty before the Eagles swung the momentum. Embry-Riddle took advantage of a Rollins miscue, scoring on the ensuing breakaway to take a 1-0 lead.
Rollins responded with urgency, earning a corner on its next possession before adding another minutes later. Prain got his head on the delivery, but the attempt sailed just over the crossbar.
Things began to heat up as the half progressed, with both sides being shown yellow cards as the number of fouls and hard challenges continued to rise. The Eagles carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Both teams returned to the field following the break and prepared to begin the second half, but lightning in the area halted play before the opening whistle. Inclement weather kept the teams off the field for nearly an hour and a half before play was finally able to resume.
The Eagles came out firing after the delay, taking advantage of another Rollins mistake to find the back of the net in the 47th minute and extend their advantage to 2-0.
The physicality carried into the second half, with more cards and warnings issued to both sides. Prain was the next Tar to get a look on goal, but the Embry-Riddle keeper denied the opportunity to maintain the two-goal advantage.
As time began to work against Rollins, the Tars increased the pressure and started to find more opportunities in the attacking third. Prain again found a good look at goal, forcing a save before
Cory Edwards sent the rebound over the crossbar.
The momentum began to shift as Rollins continued to push forward. The Tars finally broke through when Prain got on the end of a delivery from
Sebastian Alvarez and buried the chance into the bottom right corner, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
A second yellow card issued to
Jaden Splunge in the 83rd minute forced Rollins to play the closing minutes with 10 men. Despite being a man down, the Tars continued to push forward and hold possession in their attacking half. Rollins found a few final opportunities, but couldn't produce the equalizer before time expired as Embry-Riddle held on for the 2-1 win.
The Tars fall to 2-1-1 on the season and will return to action on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 pm when they open Sunshine State Conference play on the road against Tampa.
