Men’s Soccer Dispatches Air Force

Thursday, August 29

Air Force Academy, Colo.

8:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM MT

Army West Point

1-1-1, 0-0-0

Air Force

0-2-0, 0-0-0

Army West Point

Air Force

Men’s Soccer Dispatches Air Force

August 29, 2024 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Overall Stats (PDF)Photo Gallery

USAFA, Colo. – Army West Point Men's Soccer scored twice in the second half to defeat Air Force 2-1 Thursday night at USAFA's Cadet Soccer Stadium.

After nearly drawing first blood in instances in both the first and early in the second half, Jack Drabenstott finished a ball in the middle of the 18-yard box to give the Black Knights a lead in the 59.'

Less than 20 minutes later, Kasem Minzey forced a midfield turnover before receiving a long pass alone in space, drawing a foul in the box and sending Gage Lyons to the penalty spot. Lyons scored on his second penalty of the season, and Army went ahead 2-0 in the 74.'

The Falcons did not go down without a fight, however. In the 89', Air Force's Nock Bisagno scored to cut the deficit to single goal before Army ran out the clock in the closing moments.

Army earned their first win of 2024 Thursday night, improving to 1-1-1 overall.

Both sides created chances in the first 45 minutes, as Army opened the game offensively after the 20.'

The match served as the first service academy contest across any sport for Army West Point in the 2024-25 academic year.

Army extends its lead in the overall series with Air Force, to 18-10-4, but had its first win in Colorado Springs since a 1-0 triumph in 2013. The Black Knights are 5-3-1 in their last eight meetings with the Falcons since 2012. Additionally, Army is now 10-6-5 in its last 21 fixtures vs. academy rivals.

Postgame with Plotkin

"I'm really proud of our team. To come on the road in an academy matchup and come away with a win is such a great feeling. I hope our alums are proud of the performance of the group. We represent all of them in these matchups," said Army head coach Brian Plotkin.

"The inter-academy games are so special. The CIC trophy is such a meaningful trophy in football and it would be amazing if we could create one in soccer where we, Air Force and Navy all played each year."

By the Numbers

4: Goalkeeper Blair Camargo made four saves.

4: Four Black Knights shared the team-high in shots, with two each: Jubril Bamgbala, Lyons, Minzey and Drabenstott.

8: Army recorded eight shots in goal, to Air Force's five. The Falcons won the overall shot battle, 13-11. However, Army outshot the home team 9-6 after halftime.

Next Up

The Black Knights return home this weekend to face Sacred Heart on Monday for the team's home opener. Army will then host Marist Sept. 5.

Follow the Black Knights

Follow Army Men's Soccer on X @ArmyWP_MSoccer and on Instagram @armywp_msoccer. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about men's soccer and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.