Nov. 18, 2007

Box Score

WORCESTER, Mass. - The Lafayette men's soccer team could not overcome an early first-half goal by Colgate and suffered a 1-0 loss to the Raiders in the Patriot League championship game. The Leopards managed 10 shots against the Raiders and sophomore goalie Philip Nelson made eight saves but the Lafayette offense was blanked by Colgate as the Leopards fell just short of winning their seventh league title.

Colgate's Glenn Volk netted the game's only goal with 14:24 on the clock on a free kick from 30 yards out. Lafayette freshman B.J. Glenn led the Leopards with four shots while seniors Anthony Sepe and Mark Price each had two for Lafayette. Unfortunately, no one could put the ball in the back of the net as the Leopards suffered their sixth loss of the season. It was just the fifth time this season Lafayette (10-4-6) failed to score at least one goal.

Nelson had a busy day between the posts as he made his first save of the game after just over two minutes of play on a shot by Steven Miller. Thirty seconds later Colgate's Matt Leach forced Nelson to make yet another stop as the Raiders would take 11 of their 17 shots in the opening half.

Glenn took Lafayette's first shot at 16:52 but it sailed wide of goal. Senior Scott Hawkins had the Leopards' first real scoring threat with a shot at the 22:23 mark but Colgate goalie David Cappuccio made the save. Lafayette would take just two shots in the opening half and trailed 1-0 heading into the locker room.

The Leopards' offense appeared more aggressive in the second half of play, taking eight shots in the period. Cappuccio was forced to make five saves in the half after making just one in the first. The Lafayette defense also played a more solid second half, limiting the Raiders to just six shots, including none over the final five minutes of play.

Lafayette's final scoring chance of the game came on a shot by Price but Cappuccio again came up with the stop to keep the Leopards off the scoreboard and give his team the win.

With the win, Colgate earns the Patriot League's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA selection show, including the announcement of the at-large teams, will air Monday from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on ESPNews.

Game Notes:
* The Leopards are now 2-1 all-time against Colgate in the Patriot League Tournament.
* Nelson has given up just 10 goals this fall, placing him in a tie for first in team history for goals allowed in a single season. Scott Backus (2006) and Jay Freedman (2001) also gave up just 10 goals in their respective seasons.
* In addition, Nelson's .60 goals-against average (GAA) is the best single-season mark in team history as is his .881 save percentage.
* If Lafayette earns an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament, it will mark the sixth time in program history the team has advanced to the national tournament.