The Park University men's soccer team began the 2023 season on Julian Field on Wednesday night against the Eagles of Avila University. The Eagles were up for the challenge in this match and a 2-0 lead turned into a 2-1 victory.

The Eagles are of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and are now 1-3 on the season, while the Pirates fall in their first contest this Fall.

Avila and Park both have found new homes in their respective conferences within the last seven years as the Eagles made the move from the Heart of America Athletic Conference in 2017-18, while Park ventured to the Heart from the American Midwest Conference in 2020-21.

While not meeting in conference play, these teams have crossed paths in 15 contests. Park is 13-1-1 against the Eagles, as Avila picks up its first win against the Pirates in program history.

The Pirates had 10 shots on goal compared to the Eagles' three and from the numbers alone Park some great chances at the net, but eight saves by Johnathan Fager stymied Park's offense from taking off more.

Vincent Escott for the Eagles broke the silence in the 19^th minute with an unassisted goal that he was able to chip over Park's keeper.

The second half saw two more goals, one by each team. Avila's Sam Kanda was led perfectly into the middle of the box by a combination of Robert Davies and Ko 'oo to take the 2-nil lead in the 66^th minute.

Julian Campos got Park on the board with a masterful strike from the left side of the box against a contesting defender. Filip Andonovski was able to free up Campos, a transferring sophomore from Lima, Peru, for the assist.  

The Pirates more than tripled the total number of shots by the Eagles, 20 to six, but in the end Avila put Park in a hole by capitalizing on the few opportunities they did have.

The Pirates will get another crack at the competition at home on Tuesday, September 5 at 7pm against Kansas Christian College on Julian Field. Catch the game here.

Box Score