A pair of second-half goals proved to be the difference in Colgate's 2-0 victory over the American University men's soccer team Sunday afternoon in the Patriot League Championship Game at Reeves Field. With the win, Colgate claims the conference's NCAA Tournament bid while the Eagles suffer their third straight championship game setback.

Both defenses were the story in a scoreless opening half where neither side generated many legitimate scoring chances. Top-seeded American (7-12-2, 5-2-0 PL) had arguably the best chance with 10 minutes left in the period when Colin Seigfreid played a long ball to a streaking Jack Scott down the middle of the field. Colgate goalkeeper Grant Reed came out and made the sliding play as Scott appeared to be inches away from getting a foot on the ball.

The offensive tempo picked up in the second half for both squads, beginning with a shot off the foot of AU's Seigfreid in the 52nd minute that sailed just over the crossbar from 30 yards out. Second-seeded Colgate (11-4-6, 4-1-2 PL) then generated a fantastic scoring chance in 66th minute when a set piece was fed to Patrick Letoureau at the far post. His header from close range, however, was denied on a fantastic save by AU goalkeeper Matt Makowski, which kept the match scoreless at the time.

But this offensive surge for the Raiders proved to be a sign of things to come as only four minutes later, Colgate took control of the match with its first goal. The Raiders fed the ball up the field before Barrett Metzger fed a cross to Mike Garzi and his diving header found the back of the net.

Colgate added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute on a tremendous individual effort by Mike Reidy, which set the final margin at 2-0.

For the match, AU held a slight 11-10 advantage in shots with the Raiders recorded seven shots on goal compared to four for American. Makowski made five saves in net for AU in his final collegiate game and was honored on the Patriot League All-Tournament Team. Defenders Adem Gokturk and Cristobal Soto were also recognized on the squad.

The win gives Colgate its fifth Patriot League title while the Eagles suffer their fourth loss in the championship match in six overall tries since joining the league in 2001. AU claimed the Patriot League Championship in both 2001 and 2004 under Head Coach Todd West.

Patriot League All-Tournament Team
Steven Miller, Colgate (MVP)
Mike Garzi, Colgate
Mike Reese, Colgate
Mike Reidy, Colgate
Adem Gokturk, American
Matt Makowski, American
Cristobal Soto, American
Cameron Omsberg, Lehigh
Kevin Strunk, Lehigh
Zach Davis, Navy
Martin Sanchez, Navy