Close Game leads to a Tough loss for the Firebirds in ECC opener against St. Thomas Aquinas.

Washington, DC- Senior Edmund Taylor led the field with four goals in tough loss against ECC foe St. Thomas Aquinas, Saturday afternoon at the UDC Sports Complex.

It was a slow start for both teams but the Firebirds were able to clinch an early 2-0 lead over the Spartans with Taylor and Freshman Jacob Saunders each scoring a goal. The Spartans came back outscoring UDC 3-1 in the second quarter to bring the game to a 3-3 tie going into half time.

A four point scoring streak in the third quarter from the Spartans put them in the lead 8-5 going into the last quarter. Taylor would break that streak scoring the first goal of the fourth quarter but it was a clutch shot from senior Tyler Mace, that would bring the Firebirds back into contention.  Despite their efforts the Firebirds eventually fell to the Spartans 11-9.

Mace and Alan Singleton led the Firebirds with five points each. UDC also won 17 out of 23 face offs and had 32 ground balls compared to the Spartans 11.  This loss now puts UDC 3-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Firebirds will host Mercy in their next conference game on March 30 at UDC Field at 2:30pm.