ST. DAVIDS, Pa. - In a tremendous defensive effort by the Manhattanville men's soccer team, an own goal in the 51st minute proved to be too costly as the Valiants fell to the Eagles of Eastern University, 1-0.

Both teams entered Saturday's match with perfect records in Freedom Conference play. The first-place Eagles, boasting an impressive 8-2 record and having outscored opponents 22-11 on the season, recorded the first four shots of the game before sophomore forward Jamie Macchia (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa) put a shot on goal in the 28th minute.

Junior goalkeeper, and reigning Freedom Conference Goalkeeper of the Week, Steve Singson (Deer Park, N.Y./St. Anthony's) continued his remarkable play in goal for the Valiants. Recording four saves on five shots, Singson made several key saves to keep the Valiants in close contention throughout the contest.

Manhattanville's defense has frustrated opponents continuously this season and Saturday's game could be their best performance this far. The Valiants recorded five team saves on the game, with defenders consistently making saves along the goal line to quell the Eagles offensive firepower.

The unfortunate own goal occurred when freshman defender Christoffer Staahl (Lulea, Sweden/Kungsfaegeln) attempted to clear a cross sent in the box and misplayed it, sending the ball off the inside of the post and into the goal. The mistake is a rare occurrence from Staahl as the freshman has been very impressive in his rookie season.

The Valiants now sit in fourth place in the Freedom Conference standings, following the loss. The team has a short turnaround as they battle DeSales in another Freedom Conference match, this Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.