Sept. 13, 2011

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. - The Saint Joseph's men's soccer team shut out Army 2-0, Tuesday night in West Point, N.Y. After a slow start, two goals by a pair of freshmen were able to propel Hawks to their first win of the 2011 season.

Army controlled the first 15 minutes of the game retaining possession and winning most of the 50/50 balls. Finally, behind the strong play of Greg Rom and Jake McPaul on defense, the Hawks began to settle down and play their style of soccer.

It was not until 43:13 into the first half when Tyler Levengood struck with the first goal. Alex Critzos collected the ball in the attacking 1/3 of the field and found Ryan McFadden down the right side. McFadden then gathered the ball and slotted a great pass to the far post to Levengood where he scored on a first touch shot to give SJU a 1-0 lead into half time.

The second half started much like the first with Army applying steady pressure. The Black Knights had several corner kick opportunities but the Hawks defended them brilliantly. An excellent opportunity was squandered when Colin Reilly flicked a header to Tom Brooks who got behind the Army defense. Brooks shot was saved by the keeper but bounced off to Pat McGlynn who missed a close range shot.

Shortly after, Army could not capitalize on a corner kick and the ball was cleared out of the zone. Jake Nelson won the ball at midfield and slipped an excellent pass behind the Black Knight defense to Alex Critzos for a break away. Critzos put the ball passed the keeper making the score 2-0 with 3:30 left to play in the game.

When asked about the goalkeeper Andrew D'Ottavi's first start, head coach Don D'Ambra replied "Andrew played very well, controlling the box and handling several dangerous crosses." D'Ottavi posted six saves in his first start this season.

The Hawks look to carry this momentum into the next game this Friday night when Bucknell (2-3-0) comes to visit Finnesey field. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.

Click here to view boxscore.