Mike Worden and Alassane Kane each converted second-half goals to lead the third-seeded American University men's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over No. 2 Lehigh on Friday night in Hamilton, N.Y. With the win, the Eagles move into the Patriot League Championship Game where they will face fourth-seeded Bucknell on Sunday in a rematch of last year's title contest.

After a scoreless first half, American (7-8-3, 3-2-2 PL) took control of the match with Worden's second third of the season. The shot came from outside the goalbox as Worden placed it perfectly in the upper left corner of the net. Kane earned the assist on the play.

With the crucial first goal in the match, the Eagles were able to defend the attack from Lehigh (8-8-2, 4-2-1 PL) for the remainder of the second period. In the 87th minute with the Mountain Hawks pushing forward, Kane was able to catch Lehigh on a counter-attack, beating two Lehigh defenders down the middle of the field to convert the insurance score. The goal was seventh of the season for the All-Patriot League pick. In a flip from the first score, Worden earned the assist on the play, which set the final margin of the match at 2-0.

Matt Makowski was superb in net for American, as he recorded six saves in the victory. The All-Patriot League performer now has five shutouts this season.

"That is the team effort we have been striving for," said Head Coach Todd West, who picked up his 99th career victory. "Everyone took care of their individual roles and we came away with a great victory. I am happy for my guys."

This marks the fifth time the Eagles have advanced to the Patriot League Finals in their eight total appearances in the PL Tournament. AU captured the championships in 2001 and 2004.

AU's victory over Lehigh is the second straight season that American has gotten by the Mountain Hawks in the Patriot League Semifinals. Last year, the two teams played to a 0-0 2OT draw before AU prevailed 6-5 on penalty kicks. American remains unbeaten against Lehigh in PL Tournament matches, as AU now sports a 3-0-2 record versus the Mountain Hawks.

"Lehigh is a quality program," added West. "I have great respect for what [Head Coach] Dean [Koski] and [Associate Head Coach] Mike [Benn] do with their program. Now we will prepare for Sunday's final against a quality Bucknell side."

American will now face fourth-seeded Bucknell on Sunday in Hamilton, N.Y., as the Bison upset top-seeded Colgate, 1-0, in the other semifinal. AU and Bucknell will meet for the second consecutive season in the championship game. The Bison edged the Eagles, 1-0, in last year's tilt in a match that was played in Lewisburg, Pa.

Be sure to check back with AUeagles.com on Saturday for a full preview of Sunday's championship match against Bucknell.