Lehigh University came from behind to defeat the Columbia men’s soccer team 2-1 on Friday night at Ulrich Sports Complex in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The match marked the season opener for Columbia and was Lehigh’s home opener.
Columbia took an early lead when first-year player Henning Myrvang scored his debut goal after receiving a pass from junior Joe McDaid. Myrvang controlled the ball with his chest before finishing with a right-footed shot into the net. At halftime, Columbia led 1-0, with both teams recording six shots and two saves by each goalkeeper.
Sophomore goalkeeper Alexander O’Brien made a notable save in the 50th minute to keep Columbia ahead. However, Lehigh equalized in the 63rd minute when Sam Davis scored following a long throw-in that bounced around inside the box.
The match saw seven yellow cards issued. In the 78th minute, Lehigh’s Trey Sheeler received his second yellow card, giving Columbia a one-man advantage for the remainder of the game.
Despite being down a player, Lehigh managed to score again after earning a corner kick. Giacomo Zizza delivered the ball toward the far post, and after an unsuccessful punch attempt by O’Brien, Paul Smajlaj tapped it in from close range to put Lehigh ahead.
Columbia pressed for an equalizer during the final minutes but could not convert their chances. The Lions outshot Lehigh 12-7 in the second half but ultimately fell short.
Columbia will play its home opener against Villanova on Friday, September 5 at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.
“First year Henning Myrvang had Columbia’s highlight of the night. After the Lions had the better of the opening 20 minutes, junior Joe McDaid sent a ball over the top down the far side of the field for Myrvang. The rookie from Sweden chested the ball down, brought it into the box and fired a confident right-footed shot into the back of the net for a debut goal.”
“Myrvang’s goal remained the difference at halftime. Each team took six shots in the opening 45 minutes with both goalkeepers making two saves apiece. The Lions generated four corners to Lehigh’s two.”
“Alexander O’Brien kept the Lions in front a little while longer. In his fifth career start, the sophomore keeper from Toronto made a great diving stop on a shot to his left in the 50th minute. It was one of his four saves on the evening.”
“Lehigh would break through 13 minutes later. A long throw sent into the area bounced around and found the foot of Sam Davis, who slid to the ground and whipped a shot inside the right post from close range.”
“The Lions regained momentum in the 78th minute. On a night that saw seven yellow cards issued, Lehigh’s Trey Sheeler picked up his second with a hard foul in Columbia’s attacking third. That gave the Lions a one-man advantage rest of way.”
“Unfortunately, Lehigh found a way to score again despite one-man disadvantage. It all started when Mountain Hawks earned corner. Giacomo Zizza sent ball over top toward far post. O’Brien went for punch but missed. Ball caromed between two Columbia defenders and came right back to Paul Smajlaj, who only had tap it in from few yards to give his side lead.”
“Still with man advantage, Columbia applied pressure as it looked for equalizer over final 10 minutes. The Lions outshot Lehigh 12-7 in second half but could not find answer.”
“Columbia returns home to prepare for its home opener against Villanova next Friday, September 5. First kick from Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.”
