BETHLEHEM, Pa – The Lehigh men’s soccer team lost a 2-0 battle at American on Saturday in its Patriot League opener. The Mountain Hawks tallied seven shots on goal, but the American keeper was able to keep Lehigh scoreless.

“We struggled to put some passes together and create some opportunities in the final third,” said head coach Dean Koski. “We had plenty of looks, but didn’t respond well after American’s first goal. We still have some questions to be answered so that’s going to be our goal this week.”

Lehigh freshman goalie Jacob Gottwald got his first career start in the net for the Mountain Hawks, while Billy Knutsen started in goal for American. Gottwald made his first save in the 20th minute off a shot from the Eagles Colin Seigfried. Lehigh’s first shot on goal came in the 33rd minute off the foot of sophomore Jamie Luchini, but Knutsen was able to make the save. The Eagles struck in the 35th minute when Joe Iraola put a ball from Michael Cherry into the back of the net.

Sophomore Dilan Casanovas Mack had a good scoring opportunity early in the second half, but once again Knusten kept the ball out of harm’s way. Three minutes later, American’s Iraola scored his second goal of the game to give the Eagles a 2-0 advantage. Mountain Hawk sophomore Shane Mulcahy got off two shots on target within the next eight minutes, both of which were saved by the Eagles’ keeper. After a few off-target shots from American, Lehigh junior Brian Suchoski put a ball on net in the 88th minute, but Knusten captured it to preserve his shutout.

Mulcahy and Suchoski both tallied three shots and two shots on goal apiece. Gottwald finished his first collegiate game with six saves. American held a 17-11 shot advantage, while Lehigh took a 1-0 corner kick advantage.

The Mountain Hawks will now return home for Patriot League matches against Bucknell on Saturday, October 5 and rival Lafayette on Wednesday, October 9. Both games are set to begin at 7 p.m.

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