BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh captured its third Patriot League victory on its third shutout in league play this season with a 2-0 win over rival Lafayette Saturday night at Ulrich Sports Complex. The Mountain Hawks are now 8-4-1 overall and 3-1-1 in league play, while Leopards fall to 2-11-0 over and 1-4-0 in the league.

Mark Forrest broke the scoreless tie in the 62nd minute with his league-leading 10th goal of the season. Oscar Greene added insurance to the Lehigh lead with tally in the 71st minute for his third goal of the season. Will Smith totaled four saves in goal as he posted his third clean sheet of the season and backed up the defense for its fourth shutout overall on the year.

“We wanted to get three points today and we did a great job of acquiring that. Whether it is Lafayette or another league team, we need to find three points at home in league play,” said head coach Dean Koski.

Lehigh began knocking on the door early in the second half and it was just a matter of time before the league’s top offense broke through. It was the team’s top offensive threats who teamed up for the goal. Doyle Tuvesson started the play as he dribbled into the left slot and curved a cross to the back post. Forrest came rushing in on the backside and one-touched the Tuvesson cross in to the net.

“Mark is a beast and is a handful for opposing teams. Opponents are going to have to put some serious energy into trying to contain him,” said Koski. “If they find a way to stop him we can always turn to Doyle or Oscar to get us a goal. We have plenty of guys who can score”

Forrest now has double-digit goals for the second time in his three-year career and needs one more to tie his career-high set during his freshman year. Tuvesson needs one more assist to reach double-figures for the first time in his career.

Greene secured the Lehigh win when he struck a loss ball into the back of the net to give LU its eighth multi-goal game of the season. After a Jack Miskel feed was deflected by a Lafayette defender, Greene continued his run, collected the loss ball and finished low to the left.

Greene now has three tallies on the season, which sets a new career high for the junior midfielder and moves into second place on the team this season.

The Lehigh defensive unit matched its season total from 2016 with its fourth shutout on Saturday against Lafayette. The Mountain Hawks held the Leopards scoreless for the seventh time this season and held them under 10 shots for the 12th game this season.

“Tonight was one our better defensive efforts. Getting a shutout in Patriot League play is important,” said Koski. “I thought that Zarin and John Marc did a great job managing the game, and Will had one of his better games tonight.”

The Brown and White will wrap up its non-league slate Tuesday with a trip to Drexel. Kickoff in Philadelphia is set for 7 p.m.

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