WORCESTER, Mass.- The Lafayette men's soccer team defeated Holy Cross 1-0 Sunday afternoon in Worcester, Mass. Senior captain Hale Lombard scored the match winner to propel to Leopards to their second win in a row. Lombard also scored the game-winning goal against Army this past Wednesday.

Lafayette started the match on the front foot. Freshman Roy Biegon unleashed a right-footed shot in the 11th minute of action that required a good save from the Crusader's goalkeeper Tristan Stephani. Biegon continued his quality play, forcing another save from Stephani shortly after his first effort on goal.

Holy Cross found its first real opportunity in the 26^th minute. After a surging long ball from a Crusader's defender, the ball fell kindly into the path of Jon Klein. Klein settled himself but struck an off-balance shot wide of junior goalkeeper Griffin Huff's goal.

Not long after, Huff made a crucial save off a well struck shot from Ivor Teagle. Teagle's curled effort was destined for the top right corner before Huff sprawled to make the save.

In the 44^th minute, junior Andrey McIntyre sprinted with the ball at his feet towards goal. After beating a man, he curled the ball towards Stephani's far post, but Stephani was up to the task.

With a minute remaining in the first half, senior Benji Grossi won a freekick just outside the box for the Leopards. Lombard and junior Connor Dawson stood over the ball. Lombard ended up striking the set piece hard and low beating Stephani at his far post. This goal gave the Maroon and White the lead going into halftime.

Holy Cross emerged from halftime with a quality chance to begin the half. After taking the corner, a Crusader's player missed a wide-open header to equalize for Holy Cross.

Junior Digger Iqbal almost doubled Lafayette's lead in the 69^th minute with a long-range effort, but his shot just missed the top left corner of the goal.

Down the stretch, Huff would make another crucial save and Holy Cross missed a final golden opportunity off a free header in the penalty area. In the end, Lafayette won the match with Lombard's goal being enough to seal the victory.

The Maroon and White are back in action at 1 p.m. on Saturday as they return home to face American at Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.