Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh to host Army on Senior Night
10/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh men’s soccer team is entering the final stretch of the 2009 season and the action picks up again on Friday night at the Ulrich Sports Complex as the Mountain Hawks take on Army at 7 p.m. on Senior Night. This will be the final home game for Lehigh (7-5-3) who currently holds a 2-2-1 Patriot League record and has a total of seven points, good enough for fourth place in the league.
“We’re treating the final two games as must wins,” head coach Dean Koski said. “We’re not looking beyond Army and we know we have to do all that we can on Friday night. This is this the challenging part of the year for the players, but I like our mentality and focus that we’ve had all week.”
The Mountain Hawks are coming off a 0-0 tie with first place American last Saturday. The weather played a significant role in the game, limiting both teams’ opportunities in the offensive end. Junior Jonathan Nydell, the reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week, made seven saves to help Lehigh preserve the tie.
Lehigh has been led by senior defender, turned utility player Adam Welch who has 11 points. Nydell has held strong in the nets for the Mountain Hawks, recording three shutouts this season.
Army (1-12-1) heads into Friday night’s game looking to pick up its first Patriot League win of the season. The Black Knights are led by seniors Cole Dietz and Bryan Connolly who have five points apiece.
Despite Army’s record, Koski and the Mountain Hawks know this is going to be a tough game.
“Army is going to come out and do everything they can to get a win,” Koski said. “We know we can’t take them lightly because they have been competitive in all of their games and they’re always an extremely hard working team that never gives up.”
The Black Knights hold the all-time series lead 19-15-5, but in its last 12 contests against Army, Lehigh is unbeaten at 11-0-1.
The Mountain Hawks will be honoring their five seniors during halftime of the match tomorrow. Those being recognized are Adam Gazda, Adam Welch, Alex Weisberger, Jesse Schram and Christopher Varga. In their four years the five of them have helped Lehigh to 37 wins and an appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2006.
The men’s soccer team is teaming up with the Colleges Against Cancer to support breast cancer research and to show their support the Mountain Hawks will be wearing pink jerseys in the game tomorrow. There will be a table set up near the bleachers where fans can receive information regarding breast cancer research and pink ribbons will be handed out.
Fans can go to Lehighsports.com for a live broadcast of the game with live commentary provided by Matt Abramowitz and Mike Lederer.
