EASTON, Pa.- The Lafayette men's soccer team defeated Army 1-0 at Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium on Wednesday evening. Senior captain Hale Lombard nodded home the game-winning goal in the 24^th minute.

To begin the first half, both sides looked to go direct to feel one another out. Junior goalkeeper Griffin Huff was called into action early, making two crucial saves in the eighth and 18^th minutes.

Junior Lawrence Aydlett had a quality chance in the 20^th minute when he was slipped through on goal by Lombard. Aydlett's shot ended up going over Army goalkeeper Harrison Faulkner's goal.

In the 24^th minute, the Leopards found the goal they were seeking. Senior Benji Grossi lined up to take a corner kick for the Maroon and White, who accumulated nine total corners during the contest. Grossi's service faded towards the back post where Lombard was waiting to pounce. The Belleair Bluffs, Fla. native headed home his seventh goal of the campaign down to Faulkner's left.

Going into halftime, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Lafayette.

Freshman Roy Biegon had a good chance to open the second half. Grossi found himself with space on the left-hand flank before whipping the ball into the box. Biegon beat his man to the spot but his headed effort soared over the crossbar for an Army goal kick.

The remainder of the second half resulted in hard fought play from both sides. Neither team tallied too many clear-cut chances as the battle was held in midfield. 

When the fulltime whistle blew, the Leopards emerged victorious. This was Lafayette's first win over Army since the 2020 shortened spring season. 

The Maroon and White are back in action on Sunday at 1 p.m. as they travel to Holy Cross to continue conference play.