WASHINGTON - Andrew Herman (Oceanside, N.Y./Oceanside) scored in the 56th minute and American's defense held tight as the Eagles defeated Colgate, 1-0, here on Saturday afternoon. The shutout was the third straight for the American defense, and the eighth of the season.

American (10-7-1, 6-1-0 PL), playing its final regular-season game, came out flat in the first half, and neither team mustered much of a scoring opportunity. The team combined for just six shots in the first half.

The second-half action picked up considerably. In the 56th minute, American keeper Thomas Myers (Miami, Fla./Gulliver Prep), making his first start of the season, sent a long drive out of the back to Sean Kuykendall (Vienna, Va./Madison) just outside the 18-yard box. Kuykendall flicked it ahead to a streaking Herman, who then touched it past a sliding Jon Brunell (Holden, Mass./St. John's).

The Eagles had another excellent chance just six minutes later when Kuykendall headed a pass to Adam Rosen (Millburn, N.J./Millburn) in the middle of the box. Rosen played the ball with his head as well, but directed the chance right to Brunell.

Colgate (6-11-1, 2-4-1 PL) came back strong, and had several excellent scoring opportunities late. American defenders knocked down a succession of shots by Jonathon Cook (Oneonta, N.Y./Laurens Central) and Zach Stuppy (York, Maine/York).

American, pushing forward all afternoon, was called for a season-high 12 offsides the afternoon. The Eagles took nine corners to four for the Raiders. Brunell made seven saves, while Myers made two, earning his first career shutout.

American returns to action next Friday and Sunday, Nov. 16-18, when it takes part in the Patriot League Tournament, hosted by Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.. The Eagles have secured the No. 2 seed and will face No. 3 Lehigh in the semifinals on Friday. The Championship Game is set for Sunday, Nov. 18, at 1:00 p.m.