BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Lehigh freshman Josh Luchini was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week, announced by the league on Monday.
 
Luchini played a major role in the Mountain Hawks' 3-0 win over Army West Point in the Patriot League opener. He scored the first goal in the 33rd minute and scored his second in the 60th minute which ended up being the dagger.
 
Luchini is now ranked third in the Patriot League for shots (22), tied for sixth in goals (3) and points (7), and in a tie for first in game-winning goals (2).
 
"It's a well-deserved recognition for Josh who's had a very good couple of games for us," said head coach Dean Koski. "He scored the game winner against Rider two weeks ago and then had two goals against a very good Army team in his first Patriot League match. 
 
"Hopefully there is more to come from Josh as he is learning every game and getting better week to week."
 
It really was the freshman show for the Mountain Hawks Saturday night as Nick Jennings scored the second goal in the 50th minute and Michael Tahiru assisted on all three of the Lehigh goals.
 
Senior Mark Forrest added two assists in the victory, making him the NCAA Division-I active career leader in points with 87. Forrest and Tahiru received honorable mentions from the Patriot League for their performances.
 
Lehigh is 3-1-1 in its last five matches. Junior goalkeeper Will Smith has helped the Mountain Hawks shut out their last three opponents. Smith has registered five shutouts this season, tied for first among NCAA Division I goalkeepers. His goals against average (0.71), save percentage (.857) and shutouts are all league-bests.
 
Now, the Mountain Hawks return back home to the Ulrich Sports Complex to face Cornell Tuesday night at 7 p.m., looking for their first home win of the 2018 campaign. Its last time at home, Lehigh played Penn to a 0-0 draw on Sept. 15.
 
The Big Red (5-2) visit Bethlehem, riding a mini two-game winning streak. Cornell picked up a 3-1 victory over Niagara on Friday night after beating Cal State Fullerton 2-1 last Sunday.
 
Cornell leads the Ivy League in goals scored with 14 so far this season, averaging two goals per game. The Big Red are led by Emeka Eneli, who has tallied four goals. George Pedlow has three and John Scearce and Charles Touche both have two.
 
Goalkeeper Ryan Shellow has allowed 10 goals this year in seven starts, with a goals against average of 1.41 and a save percentage of .737.
 
The Mountain Hawks are 9-8-2 all-time against Cornell, with their last win coming last season, a 2-1 victory in Ithaca.
 
Tuesday night's match will be streamed live on the Patriot League Network.
 
Like Lehigh Men's Soccer on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.

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