American Tops Men’s Soccer in League Tournament

Tuesday, November 10

Washington, D.C.

2:05 PM ET

Army West Point

5-8-5

American (Quarterfinals)

13-4-3

Army West Point

American

American Tops Men’s Soccer in League Tournament

November 10, 2015 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nick Williams scored first for the No. 6 Army West Point men's soccer team, but No. 3 American stormed back to a 4-1 victory over the Black Knights in the quarterfinals of the Patriot League Tournament on Tuesday afternoon at Reeves Field.

The Eagles advance to the semifinals of the conference tournament, while Army ends its 2015 campaign with a 5-8-5 record.

"I am extremely proud of our group," said head coach Russell Payne. "We were tied 1-1 going into the second half and American scored a great goal early in the second half and we had to push for the equalizer. It just wasn't our day. We battled through some really tough breaks this year and still found a way to get into the playoffs despite not being at full strength during conference play."

Cody Guerry nearly broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when he fired a low shot from the top of the American 18-yard box. The left-footed attempt, which was set up by a square ball by Nick Williams, was stopped by the left hand of AU keeper Dylan Hobert.

Army struck first less than five minutes later when Alex Jaroscak sent a bouncing ball ahead through the American back line. Williams ran onto the pass and took one touch with his right foot around a charging Hobert, before sliding a shot into the empty goal to put the Black Knights in front.

The advantage was short-lived as American leveled the match with a goal off a set piece. The Eagles earned a free kick from outside the corner of the Army penalty area on the left side. Liam Robley sent a left-footed service into the middle of the box, where Chris Fanet dove and headed a low redirection past Army's Chris Britt. The Black Knights' keeper had made two saves prior to Fanet's goal at 23:49.

After a free kick was successfully defended by the Black Knights with ten minutes to play in the opening half, American earned a corner kick. The high lofted corner to the far post was headed down by Jake Garcia and directed toward the near post where Britt was stationed for his fourth save of the period.

The two sides went into the locker room tied at a goal apiece, as American held a statistical advantage in shots on goal (5-3) and corners (6-0).

American found the back of the net again early in the second half when Dale Ludwig fired a left-footed strike into the top corner behind Britt. A free kick was sent into the penalty area and headed out to Ludwig, who ran onto the clearance and one-timed it for the eventual game-winning goal.

As Army looked to tie the match, American increased its advantage in the 66th minute when Vinny Barone netted his fourth goal of the season. Kibu Mbaluku sent a line-drive cross from the goal line into the middle where Barone got in front of an Army defender and used his chest to redirect it past Britt.

The Eagles finished the scoring eight minutes later when Robley converted a penalty kick off the inside of the right post.

Britt finished the day with seven saves, while Hobert had three for the Eagles.

"Our seniors were tremendous all season long and lead from the front on and off the field," Payne continued. "They're disappointed not to be moving on today, but their heads are held high, there is a real hunger in this team for more."

GAME NOTES: Army fell to 7-4-3 all-time in the Patriot League Tournament … American leads the all-time series against the Black Knights 11-3-4 … Nick Williams scored his third goal of the season … Alex Jaroscak recorded his first assist of the year.