Army Seals Tournament Berth in Dramatic Fashion

Friday, November 2

West Point, NY

7 PM

Army West Point

7-9-1, 4-5PL

American

4-8-5, 3-3-3PL

American

ARMY

Army Seals Tournament Berth in Dramatic Fashion

November 02, 2018 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. – A pair of scores by Keenan O'Shea in the final eight minutes of action lifted the Army West Point men's soccer team to a thrilling, 2-1, come-from-behind Patriot League victory over American on Friday night at Malek Stadium at Clinton Field.

The dramatic win against the Eagles (4-8-5, 3-3-3 Patriot League) sealed a spot in the Patriot League Tournament for the Black Knights (7-9-1, 4-5-0 Patriot League). The Cadets will await the conclusion of tomorrow's league matches before finding out where they will be headed for the quarterfinals.

"We competed tonight to extend our time together, to extend our season, and to show our toughness and fight," head coach Russell Payne said. "One of our objectives this season was not just to qualify for the postseason, but to be the last team standing in the league. This Army team will continue on that mission."

O'Shea captained the comeback for the Black Knights with the two late scores, keeping the team's mission alive and giving him a league-best 11 goals on the season.

ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES

The Black Knights will make a Patriot League postseason appearance for the first time since 2016.
O'Shea's two scores made him the first Patriot League player this year to reach the double-digit goal threshold.
He also became the first Cadet to reach double-digit goals in a season since 2016.
It was the second time in the junior's career that he recorded a multi-goal performance as well.
He now has 44 points in his career, placing him 14th on the all-time list at the Academy.
His 26 points this year ranks 18th in single-season lore.
Army picked up its fifth win all-time versus American.
It was the third time this season that the Black Knights secured a comeback victory.
Army won the battle in shots against American, 11-6.
Six of the Black Knights' 11 shots were placed on goal.
For the eighth time this season, the Black Knights outshot their opposition.
The Cadets reached double-digit shots for the 10th time this year.
The team honored seniors Grayson Naquin, Ibrahim Seye and manager Jack Lowe before the game.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After a scoreless first half of play, the Eagles came out and struck first in the 56th minute. Jerry Zouantcha played a ball into the box from the left side of the field. Oscar McConnell was waiting on the far post and he buried a shot to put American up, 1-0.
The heavy rain began to play a large role in limiting quality scoring chances for either side, but in the 82nd minute Army drew a foul in the American box, warranting a penalty kick. O'Shea stepped up and calmly delivered the strike to even the score at 1-1.
Less than four minutes later, O'Shea found the back of the net for the second time. He dribbled into open space and ripped a shot into the top left corner of the goal for what turned out to be the game-deciding score.

UP NEXT
The Black Knights will await the conclusion of tomorrow's Patriot League games before finding out where they will be heading for the quarterfinals of the Patriot League Tournament on Tuesday.