HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – On an unseasonably warm October afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley, EMU Men’s Soccer was back home for a critical ODAC matchup against Batten University, with both teams trying to move up the conference standings. In the end, it was the visiting Marlins who will swim their way back to the other side of the state with a 3-1 victory over the Royals.

Records: EMU 4-9-1, 1-4 ODAC | Batten 2-5-6, 1-2-2 ODAC

Highlights
• 28′ | Batten battered the Royals’ net in the early going, finally breaking through with a goal by Damen Metry that found the lower right corner of the net past the outstretched arms of EMU goalkeeper Dennis Villalta.
• 49′ | The Marlins doubled their lead early in the second half as Metry earned a brace on an unassisted goal from the left side of the box.
• 78′ | The visitors from Virginia Beach rounded out their scoring with Dylan Carlile’s first career goal.
• 90′ | While too late to mount comeback, the Royals did rally to avoid the shutout as Xavier Barravino buried a successful penalty kick into the right hand side of the net, bringing the game to its 3-1 final score.

Statistical Leaders
Goals: Barravino (1)
Shots on Goal: Kiernan (2)
Saves: Dennis Villalta (6)

What’s Next
EMU Men’s Soccer will look for better luck on the road when they travel to Randolph College this Saturday, Oct. 17. Opening kick versus the WildCats is set for 7 p.m.

— EMU Athletics —