Army West Point Soccer Battles to a 1-1 Tie With Navy

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Army West Point Black Knights men’s soccer team battled to a tie against Navy Friday night.

The action started quickly as Navy picked up the game’s first goal just six minutes in. Senior midfielder David Jackson headed the ball into the back of the net off an assist by fellow senior midfielder Jason Aoyama.

Army responded with an aggressive offensive push shortly after getting three shots off within a five-minute span. Not long after, freshman forward Gage Lyons tied things up at one in the 24th minute.

Army kept the pressure on throughout the rest of the first half getting five more shot attempts in before the buzzer. Cooper Warren, Reef McGee and goal scorer Gage Lyons combined for the five shots.

The Black Knights picked up right where they left off coming out of the half. Senior captain Nick Atkinson would get the first shot on goal just 15 minutes into the second half forcing the Navy keeper to make a save. The Black Knight keeper Harrison Faulkner would come up huge, making two tough stops in the 52nd and 60th minute to keep it tied at one. Jack Meyer and Gage Lyons would get incredible scoring chances throughout the second half as Army put together a great offensive effort. The clock hit 90 minutes before Army was able to put one more in the back of the net, ending the match in a draw.

Head Coach Brian Plotkin shared his thoughts after the rivalry game saying, “The rivalry is special and those that represent the academies athletically get to have the honor of participating in something we can only imagine.

“I’m proud of our team. We talk about being connected, competing as one, and being relentless and I think you saw that tonight.

“We responded to the early goal against and got one back and kept going. I loved the way we competed and I was hopeful of finding the winner but the clock ran out and a tie was the result.

“Our guys represented USMA with honor and put in a performance I think our alumni would be proud of. Would have loved to get the win but that’s soccer for you. Can’t wait to see this group compete again. Good things are coming.”