Early Deficit Too Much to Overcome

NORTH CANTION, Ohio – Asbury’s bid for a berth into the NAIA National Tournament was put on hold for at least another year as Roberts Wesleyan used a three-goal first half to push past the Eagles 3-2 in the unaffiliated play-off.  The game was held at Walsh University and pitted the winner of the KIAC and the America Mideast Conference for a bid to the NAIA Opening Round.

Asbury (14-5-2) could not overcome a three-goal barrage at the end of the first half by Roberts Wesleyan.  RWC would score two within three minutes of each other as the half winded down.  Asbury would answer, but not until the 82nd minute as Kyle Blair scored.  Ryan Moberley would add another in the 85th.

The Eagles would have chances; three times the RWC defense would clear the ball off of the goal line, twice in the first half and once inside the final minutes. 

Roberts Wesleyan has clinched a spot in the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round while the Eagles will turn their attention to the NCCAA Mid-East Region tournament to be hosted by Oakland City University.  Asbury will be the number two seed in the tournament.  More details will be made available as they are known.