Eastern stages a thrilling comeback win in Luca Mellor head coaching debut

Two goals three minutes apart late in the second half propelled Eastern to a season-opening win in the head coach debut of Villanova and West Chester United standout Luca Mellor on Friday.

Eastern was on the front foot through much of the game but it was the visitors from Eastern Mennonite that struck first with their first shot on goal in the 52nd minute.

With the game looking like it was heading to a disappointing 1-0 loss, a bad touch from the EMU goal keeper gifted Zach Sievert an equalizer. The EMU goalkeeper was noticeably distraught after the giveaway and minutes later was shown red when he tackled an Eastern player in the box.

Evan Cope stepped up to cash in on the double jeopardy situation – the referee ruled that EMU keeper Andrew Foltz had not made a play on the ball – with a panenka against reserve keeper Andrew Arledge.

An Evan Cope panenka led @EasternU_MSOC to a 2-1 comeback win today over EMU in Luca Mellor’s first game as head coach. Wild finish on Day 1 of the D3 college season. pic.twitter.com/SfpsVjsvqe

— Matt Ralph (@MattRalph_) September 2, 2023

The rude introduction to the game for Arledge would be enough to complete the comeback 2-1 win for Eastern and a doubleheader sweep after the women’s team topped Penn State Abington 4-2 earlier in the day.

“I think we were able to keep our energy up, we just kept going and going and once we got one we just kept going,” Sievert said post-game. “We deserved that win, kind of scrappy but we’re really happy.”

Mellor, who was promoted to head coach in the offseason after the departure of Glodi Konga, got the water jug shower treatment for posting a win in his debut. After the match he was greeted by West Chester United coaches Blaise Santangelo and Roger Tucker.

“It feels great and I’m very honored to be given the opportunity to carry forward the history,” Mellor said. “There’s definitely some weight to it but really it’s just an honor to work with the boys every day, it’s a great group of lads, great coaching staff. Thrilled to be here and hopefully.”

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