The men’s soccer team capped off its regular season with a pair of Patriot League matches this past week, defeating Boston University 2-0 at Gummeson Grounds before earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Lehigh University to secure a Patriot League tournament berth.
The Leopards (3-2-4 Patriot League, 6-6-6 overall) came out sharp in Friday’s matchup against Boston (5-4 Patriot League, 9-7 overall), scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes. Sophomore forward Riley Martin opened the scoring off an assist from junior midfielder Samir Dishnica, who found Martin sprinting into the box in the 14th minute.
Just 42 seconds later, Dishnica found the net himself after being set up by sophomore defender Anthony Durling, who was out wide after winning the ball back. Dishnica received the first touch before booting it towards the back of the cage, taking a 2-0 lead.
The Terriers’ chances faded after a second-half red card, in which a Boston defender collided with junior forward Roy Biegon to give the Leopards the numbers advantage. The Maroon and White defense held firm the rest of the way, with senior goalkeeper Eric Axtman recording the shutout.
Communication has been the key to keeping the team composed all season, according to Axtman.
“I always try to make sure guys keep their heads and organize as much as possible,” he said. “By doing that in regular moments, it comes easier in high-pressure moments for everyone.”
Playoff contention drama surrounded the Leopards’ rivalry matchup against Lehigh (5-1-3 Patriot League, 8-5-5 overall) on Tuesday night.
Biegon was awarded a penalty attempt after sophomore midfielder Cade Maglione was pummeled on a shot in the 10th minute, but the push went left of the goal to stay scoreless.
The Mountain Hawks struck first in the 43rd minute, taking the ball into the box after starting 25 yards out to hit the top corner of the net and secure a 1-0 halftime lead. Needing at least a tie to clinch a postseason bid, the Maroon and White regrouped in the locker room and came into the second half firing on all cylinders.
“All the guys have been super good with staying focused all season long,” Axtman said.
Maglione and Dishnica both found opportunities in the 53rd and 74th minutes but were blocked and went wide of the goal, respectively.
With just over four minutes left, junior midfielder Griffin Feather picked a prime opportunity to score his first collegiate goal. The midfielder was fouled after a scrum for the ball in the box, and delivered in the top of the cage to tie up the game.
“I had total confidence in Feather to bury the PK, so I was just glad to get the call,” Axtman said. “We had been all over them in the second half, but just couldn’t get that final piece. I would have loved to win, but was glad that we were able to battle back and get a point.”
With the draw, Lafayette secured the No. 6 seed in the Patriot League Tournament and will face three-seeded Army in the first round on Saturday night in West Point, New York.
As the Leopards prepare for postseason play, Axtman said the team’s mentality remains focused and disciplined.
“At this point, it’s about being as sharp as possible come game time, which everyone understands and is buying into,” he said. “From focusing on sleep, knowing our scouts and keeping a good mentality, everyone is doing what needs to be done to get a result.”
John Gustavsen • Nov 11, 2025 at 2:56 pm
Lehigh grad and BU dad here. Just watched Pards awarded a win over AU in the PL men’s soccer semi. All I have is: why is there only one (incompetent) ref calling a league semifinal?