Sarkos Hat Trick Powers Lehigh To 4-0 League-Opening Win Over American - Lehigh University Athletics

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9/20/2022 | 6 p.m.

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Sep. 20 (Tue) / 6 p.m.

 Delaware

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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Senior Jack Sarkos netted his second career hat trick as part of a four-goal explosion as Lehigh blanked American 4-0 Friday night in the Patriot League opener for both teams at the Ulrich Sports Complex. Sarkos also assisted on first-year Jason Pynadath's first career goal as part of a seven-point night. The offensive outburst, paired with a strong defensive effort, helped Lehigh improve to 1-3-1 on the season.
 
"Wins in the Patriot League are always difficult and to come out and get three points in the opener is huge, especially against a good team like American," Lehigh head coach Dean Koski said. "They've been one of the best teams in our league. They're really well coached. Getting three points at home, scoring four goals at home and getting a shutout at home is a good way to start."
 
Sarkos opened the scoring in the 40th minute when he took a pass from first-year Jarman Reilly just outside the six-yard box and put a right footed shot to the left of American goalkeeper Lorenzo Gordon.
 
Lehigh led 1-0 at halftime with shots in the first 45 minutes even at 5-5.
 
Sarkos doubled Lehigh's lead in the 60th minute on a ball played back towards Gordon. Sarkos deflected the Eagle's clearance attempt and the ball made its way into the back of the net.
 
In the 77th minute, Sarkos worked a give-and-go with Pynadath as the first-year found himself alone in the middle of the box and scored to give Lehigh a 3-0 lead.
 
Just over four minutes later, sophomore Yoni Aidlberg sent a ball towards the top of the box after a corner kick was cleared. The ball got past American's backline and came to the feet of Sarkos, who completed the hat trick with his fifth goal of the season.
 
"Jack was great and his goals were well-earned," Koski said. "His work ethic was great. His finishing was class. Jack has the ability to be that kind of goal scorer, both in the league and out of the league."
 
American out-shot Lehigh 14-11 but only 11 of the Eagles' attempts were on target. Lehigh held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Sophomore Ryan Gross made four saves to post Lehigh's first clean sheet of the season.
 
"The defense was connected," Koski said. "It was good to get Andrew White back. He offers some stability. Michael Laret did really well in his first career start, and Thatcher Cooper always gives us stability and he has been great. The way that they were coordinated really helped us. Ryan was sharp in goal when he needed to be. When you have everybody on the same page it really helps."
 
Gordon made one save for American (2-2-2, 0-1-0 PL).
 
The Mountain Hawks will host Delaware Tuesday at 6 p.m. in non-league action before visiting Loyola next Saturday for round two of Patriot League play. Tuesday night's game will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
 
 

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