WASHINGTON - Mustapha Sowe's second goal of the season gave the American University men's soccer team the lead on Tuesday afternoon against UNCW, and three second half saves from Evan Tubbs secured the 1-0 victory for the Eagles. A three-hour and 20-minute-long match, play was delayed for approximately 60 minutes due to lightning. 

Notable

• Finn O'Brien and Oliver Snowdon picked up assists on Sowe's goal, the second of both of their careers. 
• The graduate senior Sowe now has eight goals in his career. 
• The freshman Tubbs made his second start of the season, putting in a quality performance with five saves total.  
• For a third straight game, the Eagles were not issued a yellow card and committed less fouls than their opponent. AU was whistled just three times, compared to eight for the Seahawks.
• The Eagles also generated more corner kicks than their opponent for the first time this season, edging UNCW six to five. 
• American is now 3-4-1 overall and undefeated at home, holding a 2-0-1 record at Reeves Field. 

How it Happened

• It was a quiet first half from both teams, with just one shot on target apiece. Troy Elgersma had the best chance of the half in the opening seconds, but his shot was denied by Trey Smiley. 
• The Eagles came out on the front foot in the second 45, taking four shots in the opening 15 minutes before scoring the game's only goal. 
• AU's first scoring threat came on a chaotic sequence. O'Brien lofted a long ball into the attacking third for Sowe, and Smiley came well out of his box to play the ball, kicking it to Reyes Parra at midfield and leaving his net open.
• Parra tried his luck from distance, but his shot was cutoff by Gavin Carmichael. The clearing attempt was blocked by Sowe, who's shot from inside the box was heroically denied by Carmichael a second time. 
• About four minutes later, Sowe found redemption. Off a quality spell of possession for the Eagles, Snowdon delivered a ball up the right flank for O'Brien with space. The freshman turned a strong cross into the box for Sowe, who put his header down and passed Smiley at the bottom left corner of the net. 
• Shortly after the goal, the lightning delay came with just 14 minutes remaining in the match. 
• After the delay, the Seahawks played with a determined effort towards an equalizer and forced Tubbs to protect his team's lead. The freshman keeper came up with three saves, including a diving stop in the 89^th minute to deny Bryan Miralrio and seal the win for the Eagles. 

Up Next

• AU is back at home to continue its Patriot League schedule on Saturday, Sept. 27 hosting Army at 1 p.m.

Keep up With Us

• For the latest on American University men's soccer and to receive in-game updates, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on X (@AU_MSoccer) and Instagram (@au.msoccer).