Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh starts league play against Lafayette
9/28/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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The Leopards also come into this game with a six game unbeaten streak and are currently ranked second in the Mid-Atlantic region.
“We will continue to try and attack the way we have for the first part of the season,” said Koski. “We have enough offensive weapons to find ways to score goals we'll need to be good on Saturday.”
Although this is an important game in the Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry, it is perhaps even more critical in the Patriot League standings. Koski knows with only seven league games, every one is crucial for positioning in the standings.
“This game is an important one,” said Koski, “because it is a conference game first and a great rivalry second.”
With the added pressure to start league play off right, the Lehigh coaching staff has been working overtime to make sure they come out with a win.
“We approach all of our league games a little differently in terms of our scouting, preparation and environment,” added Koski. “Conference games always bring a higher level of intensity, more support from the student body and significantly more importance.”
Koski is aware that this fierce rivalry can often lead to players letting their emotions get the best of them, but he feels he has prepared his team well for this game.
“It is our job to try and prepare our players to be able to manage their emotions appropriately during all games and to stay focused on our game plan,” said Koski. “However, we want them to play with emotion and intensity to either match or exceed what their opponent is bringing.”
This will be the 104th meeting all-time between the rivals, with their first game dating back to 1913. Lehigh holds a slight edge in the series 52-42-9 and won last year’s meeting 2-1 in overtime.
