WEST POINT, N.Y. – A late first-half breakthrough was all the men's soccer team needed on Saturday evening, grinding out a 1-0 Patriot League win over Army under the lights at Clinton Field in Malek Stadium.
The Leopards and Black Knights battled through the opening 38 minutes with numerous scoring opportunities. Army put several shots on frame, but Lafayette sophomore Francisco Benbow turned away each attempt. Roy Biegon nearly broke through in the 39th minute, but Army goalkeeper Keanu Likewise fully extended to keep the game scoreless.
Just before halftime, the Leopards broke the scoreless deadlock in the 45th minute when Lucas Gardeniers fired a powerful rebound into the back of the net. Set up by Biegon's assist, the strike gave the Leopards a hard-fought 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
Army continued to pressure in the second half and nearly found the equalizer, but Benbow continued to keep the Black Knights off the scoreboard. Lafayette kept pushing for a second goal, but Likewise kept the deficit at one.Â
The Leopards held off Army's final blitz of offense to secure the road victory and their first Patriot League win of the campaign.
Benbow finished with 10 saves, including eight in the first half, to earn the shutout. Army held a 16-13 advantage in shots and put 10 attempts on target. Likewise made three saves for the Black Knights.
Lafayette will be back at Gummeson Grounds on Tuesday to host Temple at 7 p.m.Â
To keep up with the Lafayette men's soccer team, follow its social media pages
X/@Lafayette_MSOC | Instagram/@lafayette_msoc | Facebook/GoLeopards
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