BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh men's soccer team suffered a 2-1 defeat at home in a cross-state battle with Robert Morris on Saturday.

After a scoreless first half, the Colonials (3-3) broke the scoreless drought with a tally in the 55th minute, followed by another in the 63rd to take a 2-0 lead. Lehigh (2-4) answered back with a goal in the 64th minute by Kevin Klinkenberg, but that is where the scoring would end for either team.

RMU's Jake Cooper put the first tally on the board as he took it upon himself to maneuver into the left side of the box where he created a small opening and used a quick strike to finish to the upper right corner of the net.

Robert Morris received a fortuitous break on the second goal when Rafael Bruzual deflected in a cross from Keane McIvor. The play started with a free kick by McIvor from approximately 30 yards out from the goal and a yard inside the right sideline. Due to the sharp angle of the cross, combined with the oncoming rush of players, it was very difficult for Lehigh goalkeeper Jacob Gottwald to get an accurate read on the play, which opened the door for Bruzual to deflect the pass into the net.

On the Lehigh goal, Klinkenberg found a soft spot in the middle just outside the 18-yard line where he collected a feed from Mark Forrest and ripped a shot that found the back of the net. The goal is Kilinkenberg's first of the season and the second assist for Forrest.

The Mountain Hawks managed to record four more shots with just one on goal for the remainder of the game, while holding Robert Morris to just two shots during the last 26 minutes.

Robert Morris held a slim 16-15 advantage in total shots, with a 6-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Mountain Hawks owned an 11-4 margin in corners.

Lehigh will return to action on Tuesday night in an 8 p.m. contest with Penn at the Ulrich Sports Complex.

Like Lehigh men's soccer on Facebook and follow on Twitter for exclusive content and team updates.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Men's NCAA Tournament First Round Recap

Men's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

TeamRank Presented By TeamSnap - Boys