Oct. 22, 2005
Final Stats
EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette's Luke Sullivan scored the game's first goal and assisted on another as the Leopards defeated Navy 4-0 in Patriot League men's soccer action on Saturday afternoon. The Midshipmen dropped to 7-6-1 overall and 2-3-0 in league play, while the host Leopards improved their mark to 8-4-1 and 2-2-0 in Patriot League action.
Lafayette's first goal came in the 33rd minute, as Thomas Harju delivered a free kick to the far post, which Sullivan was able to head past Navy goalkeeper Thomas Jenkins (Franklin, N.C.). The Midshipmen received another setback in the opening half, as McKenzie Plank (Mountain View, Calif.) received a red card in the 41st minute, forcing the visitors to play a man down for the remainder of the contest.
The host Leopards took advantage of the man-up situation over the final 49:46, scoring three goals to ensure the victory. In the 55th minute, Ryan McCaughey netted his first goal of the season on a free kick that deflected off a Navy defender in the top of the box. Four minutes later, Mark Price chipped the ball over Jenkins off a Sullivan throw in to make the score 3-0. Lafayette netted another goal via an own goal in the 68th minute to give the Leopards the eventual final margin of 4-0.
Jenkins registered four saves in falling to 3-2-1 between the pipes for the Midshipmen. Mike Tortora and Scott Backus combined for Lafayette's fifth shutout of the season.
After each team fired four shots in the opening half, the Leopards outshot the Mids 5-3 over the final 45 minutes of play. Lafayette also held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks over Navy.
Navy returns to action on Friday, Oct. 28, for the annual Star Match against Army. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., and will be televised nationally by College Sports Television (CSTV). The game will also be Alumni Appreciation Night and Family Fridays. A family of five can purchase five tickets, five sodas and five hot dogs for just $25. For more information, call the Naval Academy Athletic Association ticket office at 1-800-US4-NAVY.
