Lehigh University Athletics
Graf honored by Patriot League
10/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After scoring the first two goals of his career this past week, Lehigh men’s soccer junior James Graf was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. One of the captains for the Brown and White, Graf helped the Mountain Hawks earn victories over NJIT (2-1) on Tuesday night and Holy Cross (3-0) on Saturday.
Graf was also honored by the ECAC as its Defensive Player of the Week.
Against the Highlanders on Tuesday Graf recorded his first career-goal which was the game-winning one to give Lehigh a win in its last non-league game of the season. Graf was able to head in a ball off a throw-in from teammate Jordie Ciuffetelli.
In a big league match against Holy Cross on Saturday, Graf knocked home a loose ball to add to the Lehigh lead to make it 2-0 in the game. With the win the Mountain Hawks improved to 2-2 overall in Patriot League play.
Graf also backstopped a stout Mountain Hawks defense that shutout the Crusaders and held them to only three total shots. He also blocked four total shots last week and was able to get five clearances in the box with his head.
Lehigh (7-5-2) will return to action Saturday afternoon when it travels to Washington, D.C. to take on American who sits atop the league standings at 3 p.m.
