Lehigh set for PL opener at Army West Point
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — There was a nice break for the Lehigh men's soccer team this week after going 110 minutes without allowing a score against Penn last Saturday, tying the Quakers through two overtimes.
Now, the Mountain Hawks head back on the road for their Patriot League debut in the 2018 campaign. This time, the road leads to West Point, N.Y. to take on Army.
It hasn't been an easy start to the season for Lehigh, but it's been extremely competitive. The Mountain Hawks enter Saturday's match with a 3-1-1 record in their last five matches. Among those have been two double overtime contests and three 1-0 victories.
The defense has thrived with junior Zarin Tuten and sophomore Tyler Dressman leading the charge, aiding two-time reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week Will Smith to four shutouts so far.
Smith has been solid between the pipes this year, his four shutouts rank tied for second in the NCAA among goalkeepers and he's ranked second in the Patriot League in goals against average at .810 and first in save percentage with .846.
The Mountain Hawks will certainly enjoy the services of senior Mark Forrest, back in the lineup on Saturday. Forrest currently leads the team with two goals and five points.
Coming off a big week that concluded with a Patriot League Midfielder of the Week honor, sophomore Trevor Koski looks to provide key offensive chances for Lehigh once again. Koski provided the assist that led to Josh Luchini's golden goal against Rider last week. While the Mountain Hawks haven't had success with getting the ball in the net as much, the offense has been aggressive and a big reason for that has been Koski. Even after his game-winning goal, Luchini's confidence has elevated, tied for the team lead in shots with 17.
Army is a tough opponent, going into Saturday with an identical 3-3-1 record. Like Lehigh, the Black Knights are 3-1-1 in their last five matches. Offensively, Army is led by junior midfielder Keenan O'Shea, who's the team leader in goals with five through the team's first seven matches. O'Shea is also the Patriot League leader in points with 13. Sophomore defender Eric Whiteman has also provided an offensive spark for the Black Knights with three goals in his last three matches. Whiteman also holds the team-lead in shot percentage at .750. Army goalkeeper Justin Stoll enters play with a 1.09 GAA with one shutout.
Army has the edge over Lehigh 22-20-6 all-time, with the Mountain Hawks winning last year's meeting, 1-0 on September 23.
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