SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – The Universit of Charleston Men's Soccer team came out on on the losing end of a battle between two Top-25 teams, with a 3-1 defeat against MEC foe Notre Dame College.

Going into the game the Falcons (5-0) were ranked No.4 in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top-25 Poll and the Golden Eagles were at No.20. As a result the game was selected by the NSCAA as the NCAA Division II Game of the Week to be broadcast online on NSCAA TV.

As expected the game started quickly with both teams showing their strength early on. The Golden Eagles were having the better half out shooting the Falcons 10-3, before Martin Lange created some space in 18 yard box and placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner. That scored happened just one minute before the halftime break leading to a huge momentum shift coming out of the locker room.

The Falcons doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when a Phil Cutler ball forced an own goal by the Golden Eagles Conor Branson, making it 2-0 for the #4 ranked Notre Dame College. With the Golden Eagles pushing for a break through the Falcons took the opportunity to score on the break away. A quick one two between Renan Troccoli and Adam Mitchell created an opportunity for the Brazilian which he coolly put away.

The game was still not over as Charleston continued to pressure the Falcons and they were rewarded in the 81st minute, when Brett Elliott (Newcastle, England) showed real class in bending a free kick over the wall and in from 20 yards out.

The Falcons however, managed the remainder of the game and the clock wisely to complete the 3-1 victory.

The win is the Falcons third win over a ranked opponent this season, having defeated No.4 Mercyhurst, No.13 Gannon and now No.20 University of Charleston. The Golden Eagles have faced the same opponents coming away with one win in those three opportunites, with the lone victory coming against No. 13 Gannon to start the 2013 season.

The Golden Eagles will look to improve their record when they travel to Ohio face the Urbana University on Saturday September 21st at 2pm.