Men's Soccers' Late-Game Surge Falls Short Against Lehigh

Saturday, October 2

Bethlehem, PA

6 P.M.

Army West Point

6-3-1, 3-1-0PL

Lehigh

1-8-1, 1-3-0PL

ARMY WEST POINT

Lehigh

Photo by: Army Athletics

Men's Soccers' Late-Game Surge Falls Short Against Lehigh

October 02, 2021 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Phil Tor

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Army West Point men's soccer team was able to create some late game magic once again as John Poncy netted an equalizer in the 84th minute of play. The Black Knights were not able to hold off the impending Lehigh charge as the team fell to 6-3-1 on the season and 3-1 in Patriot League play.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Army broke out on the offensive attack quickly in the contest, as John Poncy tested the Lehigh keeper just a minute and a half into the action. It was one of three shots by the senior in the match.

Lehigh broke the scoreless tie after nine minutes of play to give Lehigh a 1-0 advantage. Army would respond with more offensive intensity, leading to quality runs from Poncy and D'Anthony Brown. Brown was able to create separation and fire off a shot that went just high and rang off the crossbar.

The Mountain Hawks would carry the lead into the halftime break.

The battle continued throughout the second half, as both teams' defenses stepped up to match the opposing advances. Army was able to create a few shots thanks to Poncy and Andrew Guerrra, but were once again kept out of the net by Lehigh's keeper.

Oscar Periera and Atef Sikazwe continued the offensive charge for the Cadets, as they both put a pair of shots on target. It wasn't until the 84th minute that Army was able to find the equalizer.

John Poncy netted the Black Knights' goal after a Jack Eaton header rang off the post. Poncy was in the right place at the right time to tie up the score at one goal a piece.

The Mountain Hawks responded with a last minute goal to steal the result from Army. The Black Knights fell to 3-1 after the decision, and now find themselves in a three-way tie for the top spot in the Patriot League with Navy and Holy Cross.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

John Poncy's five shots were good for most on the team. The firstie also recorded his third goal of the season in the contest.
Oscar Pereira was able to create two scoring chances, and put two shots on net, but was able to find the back of the net.
Cooper Warren played the full 90 minutes for Army.
Jacob Suppiah made three critical saves in the contest to keep Army within striking distance.
Jack Eaton dished out his third assist of the season on the 84th minute goal by Poncy.

QUOTABLE
"The group showed great resilience again in coming from behind after trailing for nearly 80 minutes. In the end we didn't defend our box well enough and credit to Lehigh for making play late to get the winner.

The Patriot League is a dynamic league and all teams are so competitive with one another. It's another opportunity for us to learn from and improve on. We have a week now before our next game and it will be good to get on the training field and improve in some areas before our next game." - Army head men's soccer coach, Brian Plotkin

UP NEXT
Army will have the week to rest, recover and train for the tenth annual Army-Navy Cup presented by Leidos. The Black Knights and the Midshipmen will meet at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. for a 7 pm first kick.