Lehigh opens Patriot League play at Army on Friday
9/30/2010 2:56:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Women's Soccer: Army Match Preview, Sept. 29, 2010
“We're playing with a good confidence,” said head coach Eric Lambinus. “We've had some really good games - some good results - and some we would have liked to be even better. The team is playing a good brand of soccer and we're excited about starting league play.”
Friday will feature the top two records in the Patriot League. Army is 8-3-0, owning the PL's top nonconference winning percentage (.727) while Lehigh is right behind with a .714 winning percentage via a 4-1-2 record.
“It's a perfect opening game because Army is playing so well,” said Lambinus. “It will be a good test to see where we stand in the Patriot League.”
The Mountain Hawks enter conference play with their best record since 2005, when they also had only one loss on their way to a 14-2-2 season. Lehigh is currently riding a four-game unbeaten streak after beating La Salle and tying Columbia, a squad ranked fourth in the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Poll with a 6-2-1 record. Lehigh played the Lions neck-and-neck and were rewarded with votes in the most recent regional ranking released on Tuesday.
Not to be forgotten, Lehigh put together a strong effort on Friday night against La Salle, defeating the Explorers, 3-1. The Mountain Hawks finish the season with a 2-1 record against Atlantic 10 teams, also defeating Saint Joseph's while falling to Dayton. Against La Salle, freshman Paige Dyrek scored her first-career goal with only 18:12 left in the second half. That gave Lehigh a 2-1 advantage, a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
The Mountain Hawks' success is being recognized league-wide with weekly awards. Lehigh was recently honored with three of the four awards, presented to senior Lauren Mains (Goalkeeper of the Week), junior Jana Basubas (Defensive Player of the Week) and freshman Murphee Greeley (Rookie of the Week). Lehigh has now won each of the four weekly awards at least once this season and have had one honoree each and every week.
Army is coming off a 1-0 loss at the hands of Fordham. The Black Knights have only allowed four goals in 11 games this season with all eight of their wins coming via shutout. Numerous individuals rank among the NCAA statistical leaders, for a team with the third best goals against average in the nation. Army is listed in TopDrawerSoccer.com's national tournament, coming in at No. 57.
The Black Knights are led offensively by Kim An with 16 points (seven goals, two assists). Erringer Helbling has five points (two goals, one assist) and Joey Molacek has four (two goals). Alex Lostetter and Monica Lee have split time in goal, with both owning a sub 0.50 GAA.
“For as important as this game is, it's not 'the game',” said Lambinus. “Our goal is to make the Patriot League Tournament and compete for a league championship. Although it's a huge game, it's one of seven we have on our schedule.”
The Mountain Hawks are 4-13-3 all-time against Army, but an impressive 2-1-3 in the last six meetings. They are riding a four-game unbeaten streak and haven't lost to the Black Knights since 2005.
Lehigh returns home Sunday for a nonconference showdown with NJIT. The Highlanders are 1-8-1 on the season and have a full week in between games. They lost to Howard on Sunday and won't play until facing the Mountain Hawks at the Ulrich Sports Complex.
Amanda Dotten leads the team with two goals and four points while five others have each recorded a goal. Sadie Mele has been steady in goal, posting a .727 save percentage and 2.03 GAA.
Live stats and video will be available both Friday and Sunday on Lehighsports.com.
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