ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Lafayette (5-5-4) and Navy (3-6-5) played to an action-packed 3-3 draw on Saturday afternoon at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, with both teams trading goals in a match that featured six different goal scorers.
Nicholas Liebich opened the scoring for Lafayette in the 5th minute with a low strike to the right corner. Navy responded through Alex Galloway in the 14th minute, leveling the match at 1-1. The Midshipmen took the lead when Nick Gallucci found the net in the 29th minute off a Luke Parker assist. Oliver Gordon equalized for Lafayette in the 40th minute after connecting with Roy Biegon's setup. The second half saw Roy Biegon put Lafayette ahead in the 63rd minute before Luke Parker secured the draw for Navy with a dramatic 90th-minute goal assisted by Jalen Grant and Stephen Nelson.
The first half showcased both teams' attacking prowess, with Navy recording nine shots to Lafayette's eight. The Midshipmen's pressure resulted in five corner kicks, while Lafayette earned three. Goalkeeper saves proved crucial early, with both teams' netminders making important stops to keep the match competitive. James Melnick's yellow card in the 59th minute highlighted the increasing intensity as both sides sought control.
The second half saw Lafayette take command of possession, generating several quality chances through Samir Dishnica, who recorded three shots on target after the break. Navy made tactical adjustments, bringing on fresh legs with Andrew Schug and Jorge Mayorga at halftime. The changes sparked renewed energy, though Lafayette continued to threaten. Anthony Durling and Conor Cohen received yellow cards for Lafayette in the 80th and 88th minutes respectively, while Navy's Robert Eaton was cautioned in the final minute.
Final statistics reflected the match's competitive nature, with Navy recording 19 total shots to Lafayette's 18. The Midshipmen held a 9-6 advantage in corner kicks, while Lafayette's goalkeeper made four crucial saves compared to Navy's eight. The disciplinary count showed three yellow cards for Lafayette and one for Navy.
Individual performances stood out on both sides. Samir Dishnica was particularly influential for Lafayette, creating multiple scoring opportunities and testing Navy's defense throughout the second half. Luke Parker proved decisive for Navy, not only assisting the first-half goal but also scoring the crucial equalizer. Nicolas Papadopoulos controlled the midfield for Lafayette before being substituted in the 63rd minute.
Tactically, both teams demonstrated flexibility, with Navy utilizing wide attacks through Tommy Lockhart and Yul Hong, while Lafayette found success through central combinations involving Liebich and Biegon. The introduction of substitutes, particularly Navy's tactical shifts at halftime, showed both coaches' willingness to adapt their approaches as the match evolved.
The draw maintains Lafayette's unbeaten run, following recent victories over American and Loyola Maryland. For Navy, the result demonstrates resilience after recent setbacks against Colgate and Army West Point, with Parker's late equalizer preventing what would have been a third consecutive defeat.
Both teams face quick turnarounds with midweek fixtures. Lafayette travels to face Drexel on October 21, while Navy hosts Longwood on the same evening, both matches scheduled for 7:00 PM kickoffs. The point earned keeps both teams in the mix for Patriot League playoff positioning as the season enters its crucial final stretch.