Late Goal Gives Men’s Soccer Star Match Win Over Navy

Friday, October 11

Chester, Pa.

7:00 PM

Army West Point

3-8-1, 1-4-0

Navy

3-5-4, 2-2-1

Army West Point

Navy

Late Goal Gives Men’s Soccer Star Match Win Over Navy

October 11, 2024 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Overall Stats (PDF)Conference Stats (PDF)Photo Gallery

CHESTER, Pa. – Beat Navy. Sing Second. Claim the Star.

Army West Point Men's Soccer did just that Friday night at Subaru Park. In the waning minutes of Army-Navy Cup XIII, Gage Lyons collected a loose ball in the middle of the 18-yard box and put the ball in the back of the net in the 84' to give the Black Knights a 2-1 lead that stood through the final whistle.

The goal sealed the result in a lively match which featured 40 total shots between the sides.

Army wasted little time drawing initial blood. Ronald Zhai finished an Owen Ennis corner kick in the 7' unmarked, making it 1-0 for the remainder of the first half. The Black Knights and Midshipmen each finished the opening 45 minutes with eight shots apiece.

Navy would find an equalizer in the 55', when Midshipman Jalen Grant put home a corner kick from Victor Saade.

Both sides created chances across the remainder of the second half, but Army outshot the Mids 19-11 in total and 11-3 in the second half. Army also won the shots on goal battle, 10-6, with Ronald Zhai's three shots on target leading the match.

Blair Camargo returned to the starting XI after a two-match absence and made five saves. Lyons' six total shots meanwhile led both teams.

By the Numbers

10,134: 10,134 fans packed Subaru Park for Friday night's fixture. This was the highest figure to date nationwide in NCAA D1 Men's Soccer in 2024.

6: The Black Knights extended their series lead in the Army-Navy Cup era to 6-3-4. The squad has won two of the past three series meetings, with one draw.

2: Army is 2-0 against academy rivals in 2024, having defeated Air Force in Colorado August 29.

11: The Black Knights are 11-6-5 in their last 22 fixtures vs. academy rivals.

5: Army defeated both Air Force and Navy in the same season for just the fifth time in program history, and the first time since 2016.

4: Army takes a 4-1 lead in the Star Series presented by USAA, after previous 2024-25 wins in Volleyball, Sprint Football and Golf.

Postgame with Plotkin

"What a fun night and a great game against a very good Navy team. Really proud of the guys. They fought. [We showed] details, discipline, communication and competitiveness.

"I loved how we responded after conceding. We punched back and kept punching until we got the breakthrough goal.

"I want to thank the Philadelphia Union and all of the sponsors of this game for such an amazing experience for our cadet athletes. This is a game unlike any other and truly America's game and will be a core memory for all players involved.

"I love that we have this special event every year and am hopeful we can continue this for many years to come," said Army head coach Brian Plotkin.

Next Up

The Black Knights travel to Princeton in non-league action October 15, before returning home to face Bucknell October 20 for a 1:00 p.m. kick at Malek Stadium.

Follow the Black Knights

Follow Army Men's Soccer on X @ArmyWP_MSoccer and on Instagram @armywp_msoccer. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about men's soccer and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.