Despite the pouring rain and chilling temperatures, AU men’s soccer team remained undefeated in the Patriot League, beating Navy 1-0 on Oct. 17.
Senior Cameron Petty scored his first goal of the season in the 17th minute of the first half. During his career at American, Petty has three goals and has been named to the All-Patriot League Second Team twice, in 2007 and 2008. Petty’s unassisted goal was the difference in a game dominated by defense.
There were only six total shots on goal between the two teams. The shot by Petty went past Navy’s starting goalie, Tyler Bristol, into the corner of the net. The goal gave the Eagles a lead that they would not relinquish.
The team improved to 8-3-1 on the season, and 4-0 in their conference. They also improved to 4-1-1 on the road. With the win, they are now on a four game winning streak and have six wins and one tie in their last seven matches.
AU has four shutouts this season, three of which goalie Matt Makowski is responsible for. The sophomore goalie was the Patriot League Rookie of the Year last season, leading the conference’s goalkeepers with six shutouts. In 11 starts this year, Makowski has three shutouts with five games remaining. Makowski made three saves against Navy on Saturday.
AU’s Mike Worden and Colin Zizzi had the other two shots on goal against Navy. The Midshipmen held the advantage in shots 9-7, but each team had three shots on goal in the match.
The Eagles’ 4-0 record in the Patriot League is their best start in the conference since 2004. After starting 2-3 on this season, the Eagles have come on strong, with the help of tough defense and clutch goals. Their two previous wins, which came in double overtime, were over Lafayette University and the University of Pennsylvania by a score of 2-1.
Their season continues this Saturday at the “Phil Reeves” game for Alumni Weekend against Lehigh University at 3 p.m. All nine seniors on the team will be honored prior to the match during Senior Day activities. The team looks to improve its perfect record in the conference to 5-0, as Lehigh visits the Eagles. Lehigh is 7-5-2 on the season and 2-2 in the conference. The Eagles have the home field advantage, with a 3-2 home record.
AU’s late push has given them 12 points in the season, which is good enough for first place in the league. They are three points ahead of second place, Bucknell University.
As a result of his strong game against Navy, as well as his consistent play all season, Makowski was named Patriot League Goalie of the week. This is not the sophomore’s first award, as he was named PL Rookie of the Year last season.
You can reach this writer at sports@theeagleonline.com.
