Men’s Soccer Tops Loyola Maryland 2-1 to Begin Patriot League Campaign

Saturday, September 17

West Point, NY

7:00 PM

Army West Point

3-2-2, 1-0-0

Loyola University Maryland

2-2-2, 0-1-0

Loyola Maryland

Army West Point

Men’s Soccer Tops Loyola Maryland 2-1 to Begin Patriot League Campaign

September 17, 2022 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Game 7
SCORE	Army West Point Black Knights 2, Loyola Maryland Greyhounds 1
SCORERS	ARMY- Justin McStay (27'), Gage Guerra (57'), LOYOLA- Danilo Seglio (81')
RECORDS	Army West Point (3-2-2, 1-0-0 PL), Loyola Maryland (2-2-2, 0-1-0 PL)
LOCATION	Malek Stadium - West Point, NY

WEST POINT, N.Y. - Army West Point men's soccer took down Loyola Maryland by a score of 2-1 at Malek Stadium on Saturday night. Justin McStay and Gage Guerra provided goals for the Black Knights to knock off the defending Patriot League champion Greyhounds.

After an opening 25 minutes of both teams trying to impose their attacking threats, Army was able to create an opportunity after Sam Epitime's shot was steered wide off a deflection for a corner. Cooper Warren stood over the corner and delivered a brilliant ball to the center of the six-yard box, with Justin McStay calmly heading in his second goal of the campaign. The goal came just minutes after Loyola hit the woodwork on a long-range effort. The Black Knights went into the half with a 1-0 lead and 3-2 advantage in shots on goal.

Army was able to extend its lead in the 56th minute after a moment of brilliance from sophomore Gage Guerra. McStay collected an errant pass from the Greyhound goalkeeper, playing the ball to Guerra who was able to find space on the left-hand side of the 18-yard box and curl a beautiful effort into the top right corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance. Playing with a two-goal lead, Army went down to 10 men with just under 10 minutes to play. Loyola was able to score directly off the ensuing free kick, setting up a final nine minutes for Army to protect its lead shorthanded. The Black Knights were able to do just that, successfully defending their home field to earn three points in the Patriot League standings.

Gage Guerra with a beautiful finish to extend the lead ??

What. A. Goal.

?? https://t.co/9nHH4TrtMX #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/zxkMPtVaMt
— Army Men's Soccer (@ArmyWP_MSoccer) September 18, 2022

Cadets Capsules

Justin McStay came off the bench to score his second goal of the season after getting on the scorehseet in the season opener against Michigan State. McStay added his first assist of the season later in the contest.
Cooper Warren provided his Patriot League-leading fourth assist of the season on McStay's goal.
Gage Guerra scored his second goal of the season while making his fifth start.

Cadets Corner

?? Cooper Warren on the start of conference play and his knack for providing an assist after notching his fourth of the season#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/aISwgFRCYt
— Army Men's Soccer (@ArmyWP_MSoccer) September 18, 2022

Coach's Corner
"I'm very proud of the team tonight. They competed. Loyola is a very talented team and pushed us. All 29 players were engaged and the 11 on the field played with great energy and conviction. A lot of positives to take and we will continue to improve with the week of training ahead leading into our trip to Holy Cross next weekend." - head coach Brian Plotkin.

Up Next
The Black Knights will hit the road to take on Holy Cross next Saturday, Sept. 24 at noon.

For complete coverage of Army West Point men's soccer, follow the Black Knights on Twitter and Instagram at @ArmyWP_MSoccer and online at www.goarmywestpoint.com.