Baltimore -- The Loyola University Maryland men's soccer team exploded for four goals on Saturday afternoon, as the Greyhounds picked up a crucial 4-1 win over Lehigh University on Senior Day on Saturday.
Jake Sweeney opened the scoring for the Greyhounds for the third straight game, as the senior's strike from inside the box found the back of the net for the opening goal. Sweeney has now scored in the first half in three straight games.
Over the last 30 minutes of the first half, both teams had strong build up play in their offensive thirds, but both defenses held strong, as the Greyhounds (4-6-3 overall, 3-2-1 Patriot League) went into halftime up 1-0.
The Mountain Hawks (5-7-3 overall, 3-2-1 Patriot League) tied it up a 1-1 just six minutes into the half, as Lehigh's build up play led to a shot from Aiden Gonzalez, as his shot took a deflection and found the back of the net, as the game was tied at the 51:18 mark.
Seven minutes later,
Jordy Luchies scored stunner of a goal, as his shot from just inside the midfield line, curled just over the goalkeeper, as the Greyhounds took a 2-1 lead.
Loyola added their third goal of the day in the 63rd minute, as
Sean McEvoy sent a free kick into the box, that found
Oscar Halls, who's header went just over the goalkeepers finger tips, as it found
Caden Stafford, who tapped in the ball for the goal.
The Greyhounds controlled the tempo over the final 30 minutes of the half, as they limited the Lehigh possession.
Tyler Flynn would score his first career goal in the 85th minute, as a pass from
Juston Rainey found Flynn, who's step-over created him space as his shot found the back of the net, as Loyola went on to win 4-1.
Stafford scored his team-high fourth goal of the season, while Sweeney added his third of the season. Luchies and Flynn scored their first of the season.
Pat Kakayira had a pair of assists, while
Sean McEvoy,
Oscar Halls,
Charlie Herley,
Seth Powder, and
Juston Rainey all had assists on the afternoon.
Dylan Van der Walt had a pair of saves on the afternoon.
Loyola has three Patriot League games remaining in the regular season, as they will travel to face Lafayette on Saturday at 1:00 PM.
