Sept. 23, 2005

Box Score | Team Stats

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Lehigh's John O'Reilly scored on a penalty kick in the 87th minute for the lone goal of the game and the Mountain Hawks held off every Navy charge to claim a 1-0 victory in the Patriot League opener for both teams on Friday night. The loss, Navy's third of the row, dropped the Mids record to 4-4-0, while Lehigh improved to 4-1-0.

Navy was on the defensive end for most of the first half, but limited Lehigh's solid scoring opportunities. The Mountain Hawks outshot Navy, 9-3, in the first half, but Aric McElheny (Baton Rouge, La.) made two saves to stop Lehigh's attack.

Navy turned the tide in the second half, peppering the Lehigh goal. The Hawks did outshoot Navy, 12-11, in the final 45 minutes, but Navy had five shots on goal that required three diving stops by Lehigh keeper Charlie Sales to keep the Midshipmen scoreless. Navy also drew two corners in the second half, and four corners to Lehigh's one for the entire game.

But once again, Navy was plagued by its physical play, outfouling the Hawks, 15-9, including 9-4 in the second half. Navy's last foul of the game came in the box and resulted in O'Reilly's penalty-kick goal in the 87th minute for a 1-0 Lehigh victory.

Lehigh finished with a 21-14 shot advantage, but McElheny made five saves to keep Navy in the game. The Lehigh starters accounted for all 21 shots. Navy starters combined for 11 shots in the contest.

Things don't get much easier for the Mids in their next outing, as Navy hosts preseason league favorite, American, at Glenn Warner Soccer Facility on Wednesday night, beginning at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, contact the NAAA ticket office at 1-800-US4-NAVY.

# GO NAVY #