WASHINGTON, D.C. – A first-half goal by the hosts proved to be the difference, as the Navy men's soccer team was defeated by American, 1-0, in Patriot League action Wednesday afternoon at Reeves Field.
 
The 26th-minute goal by Ethan Boyle propelled the Eagles to their first league win of the season, moving to 4-4-4 overall and 1-2-3 in the PL, while the Midshipmen, wrapping up a four-game road trip, shifted to 5-6-3 on the season and 2-2-2 in league play.
 
Settling into a defensive battle early on, American was able to crack onto the scoreboard in the 26th minute when Troy Elgersma's cross into the box found Boyle, who tapped it in on the left side to beat junior goalkeeper Pierce Holbrook. Holbrook stopped another AU chance in the 42nd minute on an Elgersma shot, while a shot from Sam Hershey went high in the closing seconds of the half.
 
Sophomore Andrew Schug had a pair of chances in the first five minutes out of halftime, while his kick in the 67th minute was Navy's first shot on goal of the day, forcing Matthew Tibbetts to make the diving save. A Navy corner kick in the 84th minute led to a failed clearance finding sophomore A.J. Schuetz, but his shot sailed wide of the left post, while another Schuetz chance was blocked in the 86th minute. After Hershey sent a shot wide on the other end in the 88th minute, the Mids nearly had their opportunity in the final minute but were called for offsides.
 
Holbrook wrapped up his day with three saves in the Navy net, while Tibbetts made one save to earn the win.
 
Head Coach Tim O'Donohue Comments
"American is always a tough team to play against, especially on their home field. We are still fifth in the league standings but now every game becomes extremely important from here on out. It has been a tough road trip but I am confident that we can put ourselves in a good spot in the league and win. That starts now, as we need to get back home, perform well on Saturday and get back to our best form."
 
Match Notes
• American now leads Navy in the all-time series by a 16-13-9 margin.
• Holbrook's three saves on Wednesday gives him 50 saves on the campaign, his second-straight season with 50-plus saves.
• This the first time the Mids have been shut out since a Sept. 11 loss at George Mason.
 
Up Next
Navy returns home on Saturday, Oct. 21 to host Holy Cross on Senior Night, with first kick between the Mids and Crusaders set for 6 p.m. at Glenn Warner Soccer Facility.