Patriot League Leading Loyola Defends Top Spot Against Lehigh

Saturday, October 15

Baltimore, Md.

7 p.m.

Lehigh University

4-8-1, 1-4-0

Loyola

6-5-2, 4-0-1

Lehigh

Loyola

Patriot League Leading Loyola Defends Top Spot Against Lehigh

10/15/2016 11:09:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

BALTIMORE – A trip to the Patriot League's top ranked team resulted in a 2-1 loss for the Lehigh men's soccer team as the Mountain Hawks visited Loyola on Saturday night. Loyola put two tallies on the board within the first 16 minutes of the first half and Lehigh managed to respond with just one goal which came in the 71st Minute by Mark Forrest.

The Greyhounds are 4-0-1 in the Patriot League and 6-5-2 overall, while Lehigh is 1-4-0 in the PL and 4-8-1 overall.

"I thought we really competed hard in the second half, but we need to play at the level for two halves," said head coach Dean Koski. "It is very frustrating to give up early goals. We will figure out what we did better in the second half and try to apply that to both halves as we move forward."

Loyola's Jonathan Sousa had the hot foot for the Greyhounds as he finished with both goals on the night for the home side. The striker ripped a shot off his left boot from 26 yards out in the 10th minute for the first tally of the night. Sousa found pay dirt again in the 16th minute as he found room on the right side and finished for his second of the game and eight of the season.

The Greyhounds had more chances around the 19th minute but goalkeeper Jacob Gottwald came up with the answers to keep Loyola off the board for a third time in the half.

The Brown and White had opportunities midway through the first half as Doyle Tuvesson put a shot on frame but found the hands of Loyola goalkeeper Matt Sanchez. Danny Gonzalez also had an opportunity but his shot in the 29th minute sailed wide of the net.

The Mountain Hawks came out in the second half with some more chances. Gianfranco Giammatteo had a good look on goal, but he was turned away by Sanchez. Gonzalez also had an opportunity in the 54th minute, but he too was met with resistance by Sanchez.

Lehigh pursued its offensive progress and eventually was rewarded for the efforts. A blocked shot led to a corner opportunity where a cross by Matt Morana found the head of Forrest who found the back of the net in the 71st minute.

Forrest now has five goals on the season and 13 points in 10 games. Morana now has two assists on the year.

Following the Forrest goal, Loyola had an opportunity for a quick counter in the 73rd minute, but Will Smith, playing in relief, was up to the task as he snuffed out the shot Josh Fawole.

Lehigh brought more pressure throughout the second half, but could not muster up enough quality opportunities to get back on the board.

One last gasp at a potential comeback or draw came in the final minute. The Mountain Hawks were awarded a free kick with the service finding its way into the box where Zarin Tuten made a solid header attempt, but his efforts would not be rewarded as his shot bounced wide of the net.

Loyola out-shot Lehigh 12-10 with a 6-5 advantage in on-goal opportunities. The Greyhounds produced 10 corners to just six for the Mountain Hawks. Each team recorded four saves on the night.

Lehigh will return to action on Tuesday in a nonconference road trip to Fordham. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

Men's Soccer on Oct 22 vs Boston will be dedicated to Soccer Without Borders as the Lehigh team will also be wearing SWB shirts during the pregame! Soccer Without Borders uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change for refugee, asylee, and immigrant youth in the US and abroad. All donations from this game for the organization will be doubled by Positive Tracks, an organization that empowers teams across the country to turn miles of physical activity into doubled dollars. Visit the Soccer Without Borders table on Oct 22 to learn more or donate any used soccer equipment at any Lehigh game.

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