Batten University Tops EMU Men’s Soccer 3-1
Batten University secured a conference victory against Eastern Mennonite University on Tuesday in Harrisonburg.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Soccer
Batten University defeated Eastern Mennonite University 3-1 in an ODAC soccer match held in Harrisonburg. Damen Metry led the visitors with two goals to help seal the win.
Why it matters
The result impacts the standing of both teams within the ODAC conference as the regular season reaches its final stages. Eastern Mennonite University now looks to recover during its upcoming travel schedule.
Batten University forward Damen Metry scored in the 28th, 49th, and 78th minutes, while EMU goalkeeper Dennis Villalta recorded 6 saves in the loss.
The players
Damen Metry
He is a player for Batten University who recorded two goals during the match.
Dennis Villalta
He is the goalkeeper for Eastern Mennonite University who recorded 6 saves.
Xavier Barravino
He is an Eastern Mennonite University player who scored the team's lone penalty kick goal.
The details
Batten University took control early with two goals from Damen Metry, followed by a third from Dylan Carlile in the second half. Xavier Barravino managed to put Eastern Mennonite University on the board with a penalty kick in the 90th minute.
Timeline
The match took place on October 14, 2026.
EMU will play its next match at Randolph College on October 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This result shifts the competitive balance within the ODAC, as both programs now contend with bottom-half conference records. It significantly impacts the seeding prospects for the remainder of the 2026 conference campaign.
The loss leaves Eastern Mennonite University with a 1-4 conference record, complicating their path toward higher tournament positioning. Goalkeeper Dennis Villalta continues to see high volume, having recorded 6 saves in this contest.
The takeaway
Maintaining consistent offensive production remains a critical hurdle for EMU as they move through a difficult season schedule. Teams in the ODAC are now forced to make strategic adjustments to improve their performance in late-season conference matches.
What happens next
Eastern Mennonite University is scheduled to compete against Randolph College on October 17, 2026.
Further reading
Find more local athletic updates at Harrisonburg Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rocktown Now - News, Weather & Events in Harrisonburg, VA.
