Nov. 5, 2002

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette played its final game of 2002 at Metzgar Field, finishing in a 1-1 tie with Army in Patriot League men's soccer action on a rainy Tuesday night.

Things looked bright for the Leopards' offense at the start of game. Jamie Mullarkey, who had missed Lafayette's last two games, put the Leopards on the scoreboard just 2:30 into the first half. Ralph Rapuano initiated the scoring play, sending the ball to Paulo Coelho who crossed it to Mullarkey for his third goal of the season.

As the rain and wind picked up 15 minutes into the first half, footing became poor and both team's offenses slowed down. Lafayette and Army combined for 10 shots in the first half, but just six through the second half and both overtimes.

The Leopards had another solid scoring opportunity in the second half, when Army was whistled for a handball in the box. Rapuano took the penalty kick, but his shot was stopped short by Army keeper Kevin Larrabee.

Army later tied the game at the 62-minute mark, taking advantage of a poor clearance by the Lafayette defense. Jeff Perkins made a weak cross which deflected off Cory Sullivan's head to Jeff Dolbeer who knocked it into the net to tie the game 1-1.

Both overtime sessions yielded just one shot between the two squads, an effort by Marko Lukin that flew over the top of the goal early in the second overtime period.

Mike Tortora, made four saves in goal and played all 110 minutes for Lafayette. Larrabee made four saves in 110 minutes.

Lafayette goes to 7-4-4 and 2-1-1 in Patriot League play while Army moves to 3-10-4, 1-3-2. The Leopards likely need a win in one of their final two games to qualify for the Patriot League Tournament on Nov. 15, 17. Lafayette travels to face No. 14 Lehigh on Friday at 7 p.m.