Eagles Win Season Opener Over Ann Arbor, 2-0

Columbus Eagles FC started the 2018 WPSL season with a flash. Ryan Reid and Lisa Nouanesengsy scored less than two minutes apart in the second half to lift the Eagles over AAFC Lumberjills, 2-0. The Eagles gain a crucial three points and keep a great home record intact – the club has only lost one of its previous 11 matches in Columbus in all competitions. 

The Eagles started the first half red-hot, registering more than a half-dozen shots in the game’s first 20 minutes. Shots and chances increased in intensity throughout the first 45 but the teams entered halftime tied 0-0. In the second half it was more of the same: The Eagles peppered the Lumberjills goal with shot after shot, but couldn’t find the net. 

Larissa Najjar left the game with an injury in the 60th minute, and head coach Daniel Seiffert substituted Reid in to replace Najjar. The Wright State University product deflected a cross off her midsection and over the line in the 64th minute to break the deadlock. That goal was Reid’s first as an Eagle, less than five minutes after making her debut for the club.

In the 65th, 2017 WPSL All-Star Lisa Nouanesengsy broke free down the right side and coolly slotted home the team’s second goal in as many minutes. It’s Nouanesengsy’s third goal for the club and secured the team’s victory.

Goalkeeper Hannah Sargent played all 90 minutes and kept her first clean sheet for CEFC in her first appearance for the club. She wasn’t tested often, as the Eagles’ backline was dominant throughout. Head coach Daniel Seiffert remains unbeaten in four matches as the Eagles’ head coach.

Next up for Columbus is a trip to Cincinnati on Saturday, May 19, to play Cincinnati Sirens FC. Kickoff from Lakota West High School is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tickets are available on the Sirens’ website and will be available at the gate of the match. 

The team returns home June 3 to play Motor City FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Otterbein University’s Memorial Stadium. Tickets are $10 online and will be available for purchase at the gate of the event, which will open at 6:15 p.m.

WPSL MATCH SUMMARY:

Columbus Eagles FC 2; AAFC Lumberjills 0
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Otterbein University’s Memorial Stadium – Westerville, Ohio

Scoring Summary:

’64 – Rian Reid (1)
’65 – Lisa Nouanesengsy (1)

Next 3 Matches: 

May 19 – at Cincinnati Sirens FC – 5 p.m.
May 27 – at Cleveland Ambassadors – 6 p.m.
June 3 – vs. Motor City FC – 7 p.m.