PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Freshman Mario Da Silva’s second-half goal was all Army needed to pick up its first victory of the season, as the Black Knights topped Saint Joseph’s, 1-0, Monday afternoon at Sweeney Field.

Army improves to 1-1-0 overall after the victory, while Saint Joseph’s moves to 1-1-0.

“Saint Joseph’s is a very tough team to play against,” said Army head coach Russell Payne. “They’re well-organized defensively and they’re hard to break down. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy at their place. Our possession in the attacking third was a little better [than our first game] and our movement was better.”

Army controlled play for the majority of the first half, taking six of its 16 shots in the period, while holding the hosts to just two. Sophomore Christian Clark had the first shot of the game for the Black Knights, directing a ninth-minute header on target that was stopped by the Hawks’ sophomore keeper Jay Higbee. Army’s second and final shot on net of the opening half came off the foot of sophomore Tanner Vosvick in the 17th minute.

Saint Joseph’s looked to change the tempo early in the second half, taking a pair of shots in the opening 2:57, including a chance by junior Tim Lazorko that rang off the post in the 48th minute.

The Hawks’ momentum proved to be short lived however, as the Black Knights had three shots blocked in the ensuing 7:53before Da Silva’s game winner beat Higbee in the 58th minute.

“It was a well-worked goal with a number of combination passes and great off-the-ball movement,” Payne said. “Mario was composed and he tucked the ball away from a tight angle. He opens his account, which is a great thing to do for a freshman early in the season and he’s going to build his confidence off of that.”

Army registered five more shots in the remaining 32:42, including three on net, while holding Saint Joseph’s to a pair of shots during that span.

Army senior goalkeeper Winston Boldt was called upon to make a pair of saves in the win, while Higbee stopped five shots for the hosts. Boldt’s shutout comes as his first of the season and 17th of his career, leaving him one shy of tying Lucas Rice (USMA ’93) for first in program history. Senior Sean Mogan was credited with the primary assist on Da Silva’s game-winning goal.

The Black Knights return home on Saturday, Sept. 6 to host service-academy rival Air Force at 7 p.m. at Clinton Field.

GAME NOTES: Army improves to 2-1-0 all-time against Saint Joseph’s … freshman Mario Da Silva netted his first career goal Monday afternoon … freshmen Marcos Arroyo and Sebastian Palomino made their collegiate debuts … senior Winston Boldt earned his 17th career shutout to move to within one of tying Lucas Rice’s (USMA ’93) Academy-record 18 shutouts.

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