The men’s soccer team dropped its Senior Day game against Army on Saturday, falling 2-0 at Gummeson Grounds.
A ceremony before the game celebrated four members of the men’s soccer team, but the Leopards (2-2-3 Patriot League, 5-6-5 overall) looked to keep the distractions to a minimum, according to senior goalkeeper Eric Axtman.
“At the end of the day, it is a Patriot League game,” Axtman said. “I think the guys were all in a good mindset.”
Both teams held firm defensively through the first half. The first chance broke the Leopards’ way via a back-line pass from sophomore midfielder James Melnick. He connected with junior defender Nikolas Hadjimitsis’s feet with an opportunity to shoot, but the Black Knights (3-3-1 Patriot League, 5-5-5 overall) won the ball and cleared their lines before anything else could develop.
The Maroon and White nearly broke through at the half-hour mark, as sophomore defender Anthony Durling found a fast-paced junior forward Roy Biegon, who broke through Army’s line to unleash a right-footed strike. However, the Black Knight goalkeeper crouched down to make the save to his left.
Army started to press towards the end of the first half, but could not break the Leopards’ defensive lines to send both teams goalless into halftime.
The 56th minute saw Army find its footing, rifling a 40-yard pass into the penalty area. The Black Knights proceeded to find the bottom corner beyond Axtman.
“Kudos to Army,” Axtman said. “It was a good shot, in a good position and they capitalized.”
The Black Knights looked to double their lead in the 68th minute on a half-volley, but Axtman moved across the net to push away the attempt.
“It was another good effort,” said Axtman. “I am glad I was able to stop one of them.”
Army added its insurance goal in the 80th minute, unleashing a corker into the top corner, giving Axtman no chance. The goal ultimately sealed the defeat for the Leopards.
“I know the result did not go our way, but we still control our destiny for playoffs,” said Axtman. “We need people out at Gummeson to help push the team to a good result.”
The Leopards will take on Boston University (4-3 Patriot League, 8-6 overall) in their final regular-season home game of the season.
