Strong Defense and Timely Scoring Lift Lehman

Goalie Mario Olmedo made nine saves during the game against Lehman. (Photo credit: Purchase College Athletics)

By Dylan Flynn

Lehman College (5-0-0) edged out Purchase College (1-2-0) 1-0 in a non conference match Wednesday night. Strong defense and great goaltending played a major part in deciding the final score.

“Lehman’s probably the best team we’ve played so far,” said Coach Brandon Levine about the challenge his team faced. “We probably played 19 guys today, so we went through the whole roster because of the humidity and some little injuries.”

The lone goal came just five minutes into the second half. Marcos Garcia sent a lined shot past the Panther goalie to give Lehman the lead.

The defense from both sides was stellar, limiting the scoring chances. Panther goalie Mario Olmedo managed nine saves throughout the game and defender Vincent La Fata slid to deflect the ball away from a Lehman player, preventing a second goal.

The Lehman defenders continuously denied the Panther’s attacks, steering away loose rebounds and stopping Purchase’s advances.

“We need to keep a wave of momentum going,” said Levine about his team’s preparation for upcoming conference play. “We got knocked back by the result tonight, but we’re ready for league play one hundred percent.”

The Panthers have a long lay off until they are back in action, Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. as they travel to St. Joseph’s College-Brooklyn for the start of Skyline Conference play.