Oct. 27, 2002

WORCESTER, MASS. - In a match delayed a day because of poor field conditions, Holy Cross defeated Army 1-0 in overtime on Sunday at Fitton Field. Junior Chris Ruggi netted the match's only goal just 2 minutes and 32 seconds into the first overtime period.

Ruggi, a Hopewell Junction, N.Y. native, took a pass on the left side of the goal from freshman Gamal Baker and found the back of the net to give the Crusaders their 10th victory of the season. The goal was Ruggi's first of the season to go along with his three assists.

Army continued its recent stellar play despite the loss. The Black Knights have not allowed a goal before the final minute of play since falling to St. Peter's 2-0 on Sept. 27. Senior goalie Kevin Larrabee had another fine day, stopping four Crusader shots. Larrabee's counterpart, junior Kevin Baker, recorded three saves to notch his eighth shutout on the year.

Army was only able to attempt five shots against the stingy Holy Cross defense. The Crusaders launched 14 in the winning effort.

Both teams had opportunities to score in the second half, but couldn't capitalize. In the 80th minute, off a corner kick, Army had a barrage of shots on goal and actually scored, but the goal was disallowed because a Black Knight fouled the goalkeeper. Junior Paul Kitson just missed giving Holy Cross the lead in the 59th minute when he had a shot hit the crossbar and roll out of bounds.

"We came out flat, but once it got to overtime we were just hoping to come away with a point," said Army head coach Kurt Swanbeck. "Our defense, especially Todd (Severson), Jeff (Dolbeer) and Kyle (Johnson) was outstanding. Kevin (Larrabee) had an All-America type performance in goal. He was phenomenal."

The Black Knights return to the field on Fri., Nov. 1 when Colgate visits Clinton Field at 7 p.m. The match marks the final regular-season home contest for Army in 2002.

ARMY	           	0	0	0	-	0
HOLY CROSS		0	0	1	-	0

H- Ruggi (Gamal Baker), 92:32

Shots: Army 5, Holy Cross 14
Saves: Army (Larrabee 4), Holy Cross (Kevin Baker 3)
Corner Kicks: Army 1, Holy Cross 6
Fouls: Army 7, Holy Cross 7
Team Records: Army 3-9-3, Holy Cross 10-3-1