Comeback bid falls short in season opener for TMU Men's Soccer

A second-half goal from Cameron Berkwitt gave life to TMU Men's Soccer, but it was not enough to help Master's overcome Embry-Riddle University (Ariz.) on Friday afternoon on Reese Field. The visiting Eagles prevailed over the Mustangs by a final score of 3-1 in the season opener for both teams.
 
"Embry-Riddle came out ready to play at what felt like mid-season form," Master's Head Coach Jim Rickard said. "They were the better team today and deserved the result."
 
The Master's defense kept Embry-Riddle from finding the net until the 38th minute, when the Eagles broke the deadlock with a calmly placed finish from a through ball.
 
Down 1-0 at the half, TMU gained more possession in the opposing half of the field after the break, with Theo Kudlo's side volley from outside the box just sailing over the bar.
 
The Eagles then doubled their advantage in the 61st minute, but the Mustangs would not go down without a fight.
 
Immediately after subbing back into the game, Giorgio Martino took a Corny Miller throw in, turned and promptly split two Eagle defenders before curling a shot toward the far post.
 
The Embry-Riddle goalkeeper only managed to parry it away toward an oncoming Berkwitt at the back post. The freshman defender confidently smashed in the rebound to give the Mustangs a lifeline in the 72nd minute.
 
That lifeline lasted only eight minutes though, as the visitors then caught Master's out on the counterattack to effectively put the game out of reach.
 
"We have a young group that is trying to jell and find a rhythm," Rickard said. "We've made a lot of strides over the past week and a half, but we have a long way to go."
 
TMU is scheduled to play two scrimmages this coming week against NCAA Division II opposition, first traveling to Biola on Monday night for a 7 p.m. contest before taking on Cal State Los Angeles at the same time two nights later.
 
"We'll try to use the next two scrimmages as an opportunity to take steps forward," Rickard said.
 
The Mustangs are then set to return to Reese Field on Aug. 28 for a 4 p.m. home match against Southern Oregon University.