Saturday, September 13
Bethlehem, Pa.
1:00 PM
Lehigh University
3-1-2, 1-0-0
2
vs
1
Loyola
1-4-1, 0-1-0
1
2
F
Loyola Maryland
0
1
1
Lehigh
1
1
2
Photo by: Kit Keating
Sheeler Nets Game-Winner In Patriot League Opener Vs. Loyola
9/13/2025 6:47:00 PM | Men's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Behind a goal and an assist from senior Beckett Wenger, the Lehigh men's soccer team opened Patriot League play with a 2-1 victory over Loyola Saturday afternoon at the Ulrich Sports Complex. The Mountain Hawks scored the first two goals and held off a late Greyhound charge to secure the full three points to open the league season.
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"A first win in the league is important, particularly at home against one of the best teams in the league historically," said Lehigh head coach Dean Koski. "We made it hard on ourselves but getting our captains back on the field with a goal and an assist from Beckett was huge. I'm proud of the effort and resilience we showed today."
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Wenger played for the first time since August 25 and made his impact felt. He opened the scoring with a goal in the 35th minute as Lehigh led 1-0 at halftime with an 8-0 advantage in shots.
"I was really pleased with our collective defensive effort in the first half," said Koski. "On the whole, I think our defensive structure, mentality and execution was good."
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Nearly eight minutes into the second half, Wenger set up junior Trey Sheeler for a diving header and his first goal of the season to double the Lehigh lead.
"Trey arguably his best game of the year," said Koski. "I thought he was very good playing his first game as the center midfielder. He won almost 95% of every head ball and did a good job at the point of attack… His game-winning goal was huge."
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Loyola pulled a goal back when Charley Herley scored his second of the season in the 72nd minute. The Greyhounds registered four more shots over the final 15 minutes of play, but only one was on target with sophomore Anton Kinnunen making one of his two saves.
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Shots finished 12-7 in favor of Lehigh with the Mountain Hawks also having a 4-3 edge in corners.
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Sheeler and senior Jason Pynadath both had four shots to lead the Mountain Hawks. Lehigh is now 3-1-2 overall, while Loyola fell to 1-4-1.
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At halftime, Lehigh recognized its 2000 and 2015 Patriot League championship teams.
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The Mountain Hawks will travel to Marist on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Like Lehigh men's soccer on Facebook, follow on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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"A first win in the league is important, particularly at home against one of the best teams in the league historically," said Lehigh head coach Dean Koski. "We made it hard on ourselves but getting our captains back on the field with a goal and an assist from Beckett was huge. I'm proud of the effort and resilience we showed today."
Â
Wenger played for the first time since August 25 and made his impact felt. He opened the scoring with a goal in the 35th minute as Lehigh led 1-0 at halftime with an 8-0 advantage in shots.
"I was really pleased with our collective defensive effort in the first half," said Koski. "On the whole, I think our defensive structure, mentality and execution was good."
Â
Nearly eight minutes into the second half, Wenger set up junior Trey Sheeler for a diving header and his first goal of the season to double the Lehigh lead.
"Trey arguably his best game of the year," said Koski. "I thought he was very good playing his first game as the center midfielder. He won almost 95% of every head ball and did a good job at the point of attack… His game-winning goal was huge."
Â
Loyola pulled a goal back when Charley Herley scored his second of the season in the 72nd minute. The Greyhounds registered four more shots over the final 15 minutes of play, but only one was on target with sophomore Anton Kinnunen making one of his two saves.
Â
Shots finished 12-7 in favor of Lehigh with the Mountain Hawks also having a 4-3 edge in corners.
Â
Sheeler and senior Jason Pynadath both had four shots to lead the Mountain Hawks. Lehigh is now 3-1-2 overall, while Loyola fell to 1-4-1.
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At halftime, Lehigh recognized its 2000 and 2015 Patriot League championship teams.
Â
The Mountain Hawks will travel to Marist on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Like Lehigh men's soccer on Facebook, follow on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
Team Stats
LOY
LEH
Goals
1
2
Shots
7
12
Shots on Goal
3
5
Saves
3
2
Corners
3
4
Fouls
15
10
Scoring Plays
Beckett Wenger (1)
Assisted By: Landon Bealer , Trey Sheeler
GOAL by LEH Wenger, Beckett Assist by Bealer, Landon and Sheeler, Trey.
34:38
Trey Sheeler (1)
Assisted By: Beckett Wenger , Aiden Gonzalez
GOAL by LEH Sheeler, Trey Assist by Wenger, Beckett and Gonzalez, Aiden.
52:43
Charlie Herley (2)
Assisted By: Jack Endacott
GOAL by LOY Herley, Charlie Assist by Endacott, Jack.
71:48
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
4
SOG
2
Goals
1
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
1
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Soccer
M
/ Men's SoccerD
/ Men's SoccerM/F
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