BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The 10th-ranked Hoyas of Georgetown blanked the Lehigh men’s soccer team on Tuesday afternoon in non-league play, 2-0. Goals in the 11th and 47th minutes were enough for the Hoyas to escape with a win on their home turf. Lehigh will now ready for a Saturday night showdown with Navy in Annapolis, Md. as the Mountain Hawks return to Patriot League play.

 

"We didn’t back off and did what we needed to do to keep the game tight," said Koski. "Our guys competed and battled. I’m not disappointed with our effort because our guys brought it for 90 minutes today."

 

The first half started with the Mountain Hawks showcasing a strong defense, as Georgetown was able to get off eight shots but just two on the Lehigh net. In the 11th minute, Georgetown opened the scoring when junior Steve Neumann volleyed a ball into the back of the net off a cross from senior Jimmy Nealis at the right post of the Lehigh net to give Georgetown a 1-0 lead. From then on, Lehigh boasted a strong defense that turned away the Hoyas’ attack to keep the game at a one-goal deficit as the first half came to an end. Lehigh’s best scoring opportunity of the half came in the 40th minute when freshman Jamie Luchini fired a shot at the Georgetown net, but the keeper was able to make the save and end the Mountain Hawk threat.

 

Georgetown extended its lead out of halftime when, in the 47th minute, the Hoyas’ leading scorer Brandon Allen, found the back of the net after he beat a one-on-one match-up to give Georgetown a 2-0 lead. The Mountain Hawks had two more opportunities on the Georgetown net, as senior Matt Weaver and junior James Meyerkord each tested keeper Tomas Gomez, but the sophomore was able to turn the shots away to preserve the lead.

 

"We had the ball in their end enough to get some looks at goal but unable to come up with a score," said Koski.

 

Nugent finished the game with four saves as he played all 90 minutes in net for the Mountain Hawks. Lehigh limited the offensive opportunities of the Hoyas, allowing just six shots on-goal. Lehigh used 18 different players this afternoon as the Mountain Hawks prepare for the four remaining Patriot League games on its slate, as well as two non-league tilts with Yale and the top-ranked Maryland Terrapins in the foreseeable future.

 

"We just have to continue to play quicker and try to get three points against Navy," said Koski.

 

Lehigh will now idle until Saturday night when it travels to Annapolis, Md. on Oct. 13 to take on the Navy Midshipmen for a Patriot League match  slated for 7 p.m.