Box Score Celebrating Phil Reeves Day, Alumni Day and Kuykenstrong Day, the American University men's soccer team was victorious in its Patriot League opener against Lehigh, 2-0. Rookie forward Joe Iraola provided the offensive difference, notching two goals.
Iraola put the Eagles (3-3-2, 1-0-0) up in the 35th minute to give AU a 1-0 lead at the half, then added an insurance goal 10 minutes into the second stanza to secure the win over Lehigh (1-5-2, 0-1-0).
"We played well today; a well-rounded game," said head coach Todd West. "It was an emotional day with so much going on, but it was important to get the win in our conference opener. Any time you can score twice in a Patriot League game; it's a good accomplishment."
While the offense was clicking as evidenced by the scoreboard, so was the defense as senior goalkeeper Billy Knutsen made seven saves for his third shutout of the year.
The first AU score was set up after rookie Michael Cherry fought down into the Lehigh zone to find Iraola for the first point of his collegiate career.
Iraola's second goal of the game came on perfect cross from near the corner as senior midfielder Patrick Mehlert put it past the Lehigh keeper for touch-kick off Iraola's foot.
It was a true Patriot League battle as the two teams totaled 14 fouls and two yellow cards, but surprisingly only one corner kick in the match.
The Eagles have an early home game next week on Tuesday, October 1 against local rival Georgetown at 3 p.m. Last season, the Hoyas advanced to the College Cup.
