Oct. 9, 2013

(3-1-6, 1-1-0)     1 2 F  Lafayette 1 0 1  Lehigh 0 0 0   Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (1-7-7, 0-3-0)

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – For the third straight year the Lafayette men’s soccer team came away with a 1-0 win over Lehigh. Peter Adubato scored the decisive goal on a penalty kick in the 110^th meeting between the two sides on Wednesday night at Ulrich Sports Complex.

The Leopards improved to 3-1-6 overall and 1-1-0 in Patriot League play, while Lehigh dropped to 1-7-1 and 0-3-0 in the conference.

Playing in its first match in 11 days, Lafayette began to string some passes together 15 minutes into the match and the Leopards won a corner kick in the 25^th minute when Greg Biggiani’s shot was blocked aside after a feed from Peter Adubato. The resulting corner by Alec Golini went to the penalty spot where Jeff McLaughlin put his boot on the cross with a bicycle kick that was cleared off the line by Justin Worley, who headed it away from his position inside the near post.

A free kick from just inside Lafayette’s half set up the Leopards’ lone goal in the 35^th minute. Nate Arronson, who scored the game-winner in Lafayette’s 1-0 win over the Mountain Hawks last season, sent a long ball toward the corner of the penalty area where Tom McCutcheon flicked it on to Adubato. Going up for the 50-50 ball, the Leopards’ senior striker was buried from behind and Lafayette was awarded a penalty kick. Adubato promptly stepped to the spot and deposited the penalty inside the left post.

Early in the second half Lafayette threatened to score again, and for the second time Worley stopped a shot while standing on the goal line. The danger came on a corner after Lehigh’s keeper Jacob Gottwald punched Ryan Egan’s straightway shot from outside the area over the bar. Golini’s ensuing corner kick went to the far post where Brandon Turner redirected it to the middle and Adubato’s volley was safely cleared by Worley.

The Leopards’ offense continued to apply pressure on set pieces and nearly doubled their advantage in the 59^th minute. Another corner found Turner’s head and went toward Adubato, but his header went over the crossbar and the score held at 1-0 in Lafayette’s favor.

With 15 minutes to play, Gottwald made his best save of the night on an Arronson free kick from 20 yards out. The kick was the product of a knifing run by Adubato, who was eventually taken down after maneuvering through the midfield. Arronson unleashed a left-footed rip over the Lehigh wall that was knocked over the bar. Gottwald finished with two saves in all.

His counterpart on the other end Nathan McDonald was not tested as much and made two saves for his fifth shutout of the season. McDonald also moved into sixth place on the all-time shutouts list (16) at Lafayette, passing Mike Tortora ’06.

The Maroon and White held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal and an 8-7 edge in corner kicks. The Leopards also successfully defended two in the final five minutes.

Lafayette resumes Patriot League action on Saturday evening when the Leopards take to the road to play Holy Cross. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game can be seen on the Patriot League Network.

Game Notes:

Adubato’s goal was his team-leading fourth of the season.

Greg Biggiani made his first start of the season for Lafayette at forward. It was the third career start for the sophomore.

Remember to `LIKE' Lafayette Athletics on Facebook and follow @GoLeopards on Twitter and Instagram. 

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