Eagles’ Lodge seals victory over Falcons

The Kwantlen Eagles Men’s soccer team continued its undefeated streak into the second week of the season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Langara Falcons Saturday.

The come-from-behind victory was capped with a spectacular breakaway goal by Justin Lodge, his second of the game.

“I’m proud that they won. I’m proud of the character that they showed in terms of never giving up, but playing hard and playing smart are two different things, and today I don’t think we played that smart and that’s why we got two goals against,“ said head coach Vincent Alvano.

After driving home a rebound for an early lead, the momentum was on Langara’s side, but the period drew to a close with both teams battling for control of the game.

Early in the second half, Lodge sprinted into the clear and tied the score 1-1, but minutes later Langara capitalized on some defensive confusion and regained the lead with a quick strike.

Later in the half Alvano was ejected, but the absence of their coach seemed to light an offensive fire under the Eagles, and not long after a deflected shot by Ryan Sidhu floated over Langara’s off-balance keeper for the tying goal.

With the game deadlocked, the Eagles continued to put the pressure on, and with minutes to go Lodge single-handedly waltzed through the Langara defense for the winner.

“The character of the team, for a young team like this, first year, I can’t be more proud of what they did. I just wish that they would have a more professional attitude towards the game. Their naivete and inexperience shows, but that’s my responsibility. A team’s behavior is a reflection of the coach’s attitude, and it’s my job to make them play like professionals.“ said Alvano.

The 2-1-0 Eagles continue their season on the road Sunday at Coquitlam Town Center against the fourth-ranked Douglas Royals.