HARRISONBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – On a sunny and windy Wednesday afternoon, the EMU Royals and the Bridgewater Eagles renewed their annual Route 42 Rivalry in men’s soccer.

In a dramatic contest, it is the host Royals who came out on top, triumphing 2-1 over the Eagles for a critical three points in the ODAC table. Josiah King was the hero of the afternoon for EMU, heading a corner kick from Matt Arledge past the Bridgewater keeper to break the stalemate and lift the home team to victory.

Records: EMU 5-4-4, 1-2-1 ODAC | Bridgewater 6-3-3, 2-2 ODAC

Highlights
• 2′ | It did not take long for the action to get started. Logan Darrow sent a long throw into the box, which bounced in front of the net and eventually in off of the foot of a Bridgewater defender. The own goal gave the Royals a very early 1-0 edge.
• 11′ | Bridgewater did not hesitate to respond. Riley Queen sent a chance that got deflected in by Trey Widrick to even the score at 1-1 between the rivals. That score held up throughout halftime and most of the second half.
• 87′ | With the time winding down, Matt Arledge sent up for a corner kick on the near the Royals’ bench. The corner kick found the head of King, who placed it top shelf to send the Rowdy Royals into a frenzy and give EMU the 2-1 lead. Bridgewater could not muster an equalizer, and the celebration for the home crowd.
• The victory marks EMU’s first win in the Route 42 Rivalry since 2019, snapping a four-game skid against the Eagles.
• King’s goal is his team-leading fifth goal of the season, which ties him for fifth in the ODAC in that category.

Statistical Leaders
Goals: King (1)
Assists: M. Arledge (1)
Saves: A. Arledge (4)

What’s Next
The EMU Men’s Soccer team will host its Homecoming Game at the Turf Field this Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. The Royals will do battle with the reigning ODAC champions from Lynchburg.

— EMU Athletics —