BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In the midst of a tough stretch, the Lehigh women's soccer team eyes its first Patriot League win when it travels to American on Saturday to face the Eagles. Opening kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The Mountain Hawks have dropped five straight games by a total of six goals. Last time out, Lehigh dominated second-half possession against first-place Navy, but fell short. After Saturday's game in our nation's capital, Lehigh return home on Monday to host Penn at 7 p.m.
 
In last Saturday's game vs. Navy, the Mountain Hawks finished with a 16-11 edge in shots, including 11-5 in the second half. Lehigh had a number of strong chances, including consecutive shots on goal in the 62nd minute from seniors Clare Severe and Sabrina Mertz, but Navy goalkeeper Sydney Fortson made two of her nine saves. Lehigh has been shut-out in four straight games, but it hasn't been for a lack of chances. The Mountain Hawks hold a 59-47 edge in shots in that stretch.
 
Lehigh stands 0-4 in Patriot League play, but still has five games remaining. The Mountain Hawks are only one game out of sixth place in the league standings and the final Patriot League Tournament berth. Loyola, Lafayette and Holy Cross are currently tied for sixth at 1-3.
 
American has enjoyed a resurgent season, owning a 5-4-3 record, 0-3-1 in Patriot League play. The Eagles opened league play with a 1-1 tie against Boston University before falling to Bucknell, Navy and Colgate. Yari Bradfield leads the team in goals (9) and points (19) while Gabriela Maldonado owns 12 points (four goals, four assist). Three different goalkeepers have started a game, led by Ryleigh Brown starting 10 and posting a 1.19 goals against average and 0.824 save percentage.
 
Lehigh has won two straight against American, including three of the last four games to pull within 11-8-1 in the all-time series. The Mountain Hawks have beaten the Eagles in consecutive years by 1-0 finals. Last season, Lehigh outshot American 30-7, with junior Annika Jansa scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the 98th minute.
 
Penn stands 7-1-1 on the season entering a Friday matchup against Columbia. The team's only loss came to No. 13 NC State, going 5-0-1 ever since. Emily Sands leads the Quakers in points with 10 (four goals, two assists) while Kelsey Andrews owns nine (four goals, one assist). Kitty Qu has played all but 45 minutes in goal, tallying a 0.34 GAA and 0.906 save percentage.
 
Penn leads the all-time series, 14-3-1. Last season, Lehigh won on the road 1-0 behind a Jansa goal, the Mountain Hawks' second straight win in the all-time series.

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