ANNAPOLIS, Md. - For its third straight Patriot League game, the Lehigh women’s soccer team put forth a strong road effort, but was unable to capitalize as Navy scored in the 99th minute to hand the Mountain Hawks a 1-0 loss on Sunday. Junior goalie Ali Griffin made five saves in her third straight start as the Lehigh defense held Navy’s offense at bay, which had scored eight goals its previous two games and 45 goals on the season.

 

Lehigh nearly ended the nation’s longest active winning streak as Navy has now won 15 straight games to improve to 15-1 on the year.

 

“I thought it was an even, well-played game,” said Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus. “Both teams played hard and well. They scored a good goal. I couldn’t ask for much more of the girls; they battled and stood toe-to-toe. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to get one of these games in our direction.”

 

Despite being outshot 22-10, Lehigh finished with five corner kicks (to Navy’s six) as the Mountain Hawks constantly pressured the Navy defense. Junior Paige Dyrek had a team-high three shots while classmate Murphee Greeley posted two (including one on goal). Freshman Emily Korber also unleashed a shot on goal.

After being outshot 8-2 in the first half, Lehigh posted eight in the second. Greeley had a chance in the 75th minute, which was stopped by Navy goalie Elizabeth Hoerner. Korber had one in the 82nd minute as the Mountain Hawks amped up the pressure at the end of regulation.

 

“Both teams had some good chances, but neither team really tested the keeper or had a clear shot that should have been a goal,” said Lambinus. “There were numerous shots from distance, which we could’ve turned into even better chances. But we created good opportunities.”

 

Navy converted the golden goal at 98:30 as Kaylie Davidson converted off a corner kick to send the Midshipmen home winners.

 

Lehigh will travel to Princeton on Wednesday for its final nonleague contest. The Mountain Hawks then head to Army on Sunday (Oct. 15) for a big Patriot League tilt against the Black Knights.

 

“We know we can play with any team,” said Lambinus. “I think that’s been established. We’ve played three [Patriot League] games, all on the road, and have all been one-goal games. The confidence is we can play with anybody in our league, but we haven’t found a way to win these games.”

 

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