Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh hosts Navy Saturday in crucial league match
10/13/2011 10:42:00 PM | Men's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – With three league matches in the books, the Lehigh men's soccer team has reached the halfway mark in its Patriot League slate. The Mountain Hawks (4-2-5, 1-1-1 PL) will host Navy (4-6-3, 1-1-1) Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Ulrich Sports Complex in a match with playoff implications as both teams are tied for third in the league with four points. It will be a crucial match as each club is vying for one of the top four berths to the Patriot League tournament.
“Getting three points at home is really important,” said head coach Dean Koski. “Anytime you can put teams behind you in the standings, it's essential. We have to play for those three points and I think Navy is in the same boat. I think when you hit this stretch, you have a pretty good look at league and how it is taking shape.”Lehigh is coming off a non-conference match against a tough Ivy League opponent in Penn on Tuesday night. After being down 1-0 for most the game, the Mountain Hawks found the equalizer in the 80th minute thanks to Cameron Omsberg's first career goal. Omsberg found himself with space outside of the 18-yard box and fired in a cross towards the back post. A couple of Mountain Hawks made runs in the box including senior Jordie Ciuffetelli who jumped over the ball and distracted the keeper which allowed Omsberg's ball to find the back of the net.
The Mountain Hawks have struggled to score thus far this season, but it is something they are working on. Lehigh has had chances, but now it's just about being able to finish them off.
“I think that's been the story for us the last several games,” said Koski. “We've done a good job of creating opportunities but a mediocre job in finishing them. If that piece can come sooner rather than later, that will help us be successful.”
On the other side of the pitch, the Lehigh defense has done a stellar job keeping teams off the scoreboard. Entering the week, the Mountain Hawks were ranked No. 3 in the nation in three defensive categories: save percentage (0.933), shutout percentage (0.70) and GAA (0.27).
Lehigh will have to rely on its experienced back four and keeper Ciaran Nugent on Saturday as it faces a potent Navy offensive attack. The Midshipmen are ranked first in the Patriot League in shots (16.46 per game), first in total goals (18), first in corner kicks (6.38 per game) and second in goals per game (1.38 per game). Navy is led by Joseph Greenspan who is first in the league in total shots (45) and shots per game (3.46) while David Jackson is the team's points leader with eight (four goals) and Nick Dubee right behind in with six points (three goals).
“They have designed a fairly dynamic attacking game so I think they are challenging,” said Koski. “They have good players and guys who can attack and are not afraid to shot the ball. Our challenge is how we are going to neutralize their attack.”While Navy has had success finding the back of the net, so has its opponents as the Midshipmen defense ranks last in the league in goals allowed (24) and goals allowed average (1.80).
It will be the 51st match between Lehigh and Navy as Navy holds the all-time edge 30-15-5 with the first meeting coming in 1922. In last year's matchup in Annapolis, the two squads played to a 0-0 draw in double overtime.
The match will be a Summit Series contest. Tickets are five dollars for the general public while Lehigh students and staff are admitted free of charge with a valid ID. For more information on Summit Series games, please click here.
Along with LIVE stats there will be LIVE streaming video of the match on Lehighsports.com.
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