Gameday Central
Lehigh	0
American	0
Goals:None. Assists: None. Saves: Behonick (AU) 2, Grzeszczak 5

WORCESTER, Mass. - After 110 minutes of scoreless soccer, the American University men's soccer team fell to Lehigh in penalty kicks in the Patriot League Semifinals Friday afternoon. The Mountain Hawks won in PKs, 4-2. American's record is now 12-7-1.

On a windy field, the team with the wind was able to attack throughout the match. In the first half, Lehigh had the wind at its back and was able to fire four shots compared to only one for AU. The best chance of the half for Lehigh was in the 38th minute as a free kick was sent into the box. AU goalkeeper Michael Behonick came out to punch the ball away, but Doug Cusick was able to control the ball and fire a shot on the empty net. Cusick's shot went high, and the match remained scoreless.

In the second half, the Eagles were able to use the wind to fire seven shots on Lehigh keeper Ryan Grzeszczak. Just one minute into the half, Sean Albright headed a shot in on goal, but it bounced just wide of the post. AU had another excellent opportunity just two minutes later as Shawn Kuykendall fed Peter Philipakos. Philipakos slipped the ball to Andrew Herman who fired a shot. Grzeszczak had to jump and punch the ball over the net to save the goal.

Towards the middle of the second half, Lehigh had some good buildup in the Eagle end, but strong defense by AU's back four of Albright, Larry McDonald, David Pryor and Robert Rezek was able to keep the Mountain Hawks from taking a shot and held Evan Bruno without a shot the entire match. American had another chance in regulation in the 78th minute as Shawn Kuykendall fed Kris Kuykendall who headed the ball in on goal. Grzeszczak once again punched the all over the net for the save.

In the first overtime, Lehigh was able to get only one shot off, taken by Kyle Hartman that was saved by Behonick. In the second extra stanza, neither team took a shot although AU had some chances in the Lehigh end.

With the score at 0-0 at the end of regulation, the teams moved to penalty kicks. Grzeszczak made saves on two of the first three PKs taken by AU. Behonick was able to save Lehigh's third penalty kick to keep AU in it, but Bruno scored for Lehigh on its fifth PK to win the match.

The Eagles now must wait for the NCAA field to be announced on Monday afternoon. AU has quality wins over the regular season champions of the Big East (Boston College), CAA (Virginia Commonwealth), MAAC (Loyola) as well as Georgetown, Penn State and Ohio State. The field is announced Monday at 4:30 p.m.