Annapolis, Md. – After 76 scoreless minutes it was Navy who found the back of the net first and did so again with only one minute remaining as No. 20 American University men's soccer fell on the road against the defending Patriot League Champion Midshipmen.

It was an evenly matched contest with Navy holding a slight edge in shots, 17-16. It looked as though the game was headed for extra time, but the Midshipmen were able to force one on net with only 13 minutes in regulation. The shot was played in front and deflected for the goal.

A late Mids' breakaway with only 60 seconds left sealed the match and well-placed header set up the 1-v-1 goal.

"We competed tonight. It was a very even game but Navy struck first and then countered as we puhsed forward for the equalizer," said head coach Todd West. "Navy is a good team, but we'll be ready for Bucknell and hopefully return some of our key players to the field. I am confident that we will rebound."

In a true Patriot League battle it came down to the final minutes. The reigning conference champs were able to pull it out in the final 13 minutes despite six saves from junior goalkeeper Dylan Hobert.

The AU back line was also depleted as recent hero, senior Christian Robbs, missed the game due to injury. The center back's absence was felt as both goals for Navy came in the middle of the box.

Offensively, Joe Iraola, Dale Ludwig and Panos Nakhid each had three-plus shots in the contest, but the Navy defense did well to cut down their angles. Midshipmen keeper Joe Morgan took care of the rest, making five saves for the clean sheet.

The Eagles will look to even its Patriot League record this weekend with a rematch of last season's conference quarterfinal at Bucknell on Saturday at 1 p.m.