UAH Has Heart Broken Again

University of Alabama-Huntsville junior goalkeeper Tyler Early was having a stellar match against Martin Methodist College; confidently marshaling his penalty area, making timely charges outside the area to clear through balls and making 3 crucial saves. In the end though, it wasn't enough as UAH felt the cruelty that the game can level on those that play it with a 1:0 defeat.

For most of the match it was the UAH defenders in front of Early that were getting the better of their opponents, limiting the internationally represented MMC attackers to wayward shots from 20 plus meters. Only once was Early seriously tested when in the 17th minute, the MMC sophomore Thiago Reichert found his way in alone on the UAH goal. Facing down the MMC forward with teeth bared, Early made the save look routine.

The match continued to display more industriousness than attacking flair with both teams grinding it out in a vain attempt at midfield possession. However in the 75th minute, it looked as if UAH would have the breakthrough when sophomore Kyle Gonclaves streaked into the area battled off one defender and calmly slid a shot under MMC keeper Hunter Jamison. UAH celebrations were cut short when the ball defiantly clambered off the far upright.

In the 88th minute, MMC would thrust the dagger of despair as freshman midfielder Fabio Souza latched onto a loose ball in the midfield and patiently drew the defenders to him before slipping a ball to junior Renato Castro alone in the area. Castro loaded up for a shot low to the far post. Early sprung to block it, but Castro misfired fortuitously over the left shoulder of Early and into the goal for the lead.

UAH GK Tyler Early discusses the loss

Despite freshman forward Tony Stock's two best efforts to equalize in the remaining 90 seconds, the Chargers could not find the equalizer and as has been a frequent refrain for this season, UAH again fell to a late game winner.