CHESTER, Pa. (April 16, 2021) – Army-Navy Cup IX Presented by Leidos returns to Subaru Park on Sunday April 25, where the rival academies will kick off at 2:00 p.m. This is the first of two meetings for the academies this season as they approach their 10th anniversary match later this fall.
"Despite the delays, we are happy to bring the Army-Navy rivalry to Subaru Park and provide a great experience for our student-athletes,” said Tim O’Donohue, Head Coach, Navy Men’s Soccer.
Navy notched a regular season record of 4-1-1 and finished tied for second in the Patriot League South Division with seven points. The Midshipmen started the season with a 3-2 win in an exhibition match over defending national runner-up Virginia and then earned a 2-1 win over North Carolina State to start the regular season. The Midshipmen then rattled off three-straight wins in the Patriot League over Colgate (2-1), Bucknell (1-0) and Lehigh (2-0). During the season, Navy had six different goal scorers and eight different individuals with at least one point.
Additionally, the Midshipmen produced the Patriot League Co-Defensive Player of the Year in Matt Nocita and the Patriot League Rookie of the Year in David Jackson. Navy also led the Patriot League with seven All-League performers in Nocita, Tyler Collins and Jacob Williams on the first team and Jackson, Toni Adewole, Ian Bramblett and Baba Kallie on the third team. This marks the second-straight year the Midshipmen have had seven players selected to the All-Patriot League teams, which is second-most in program history.
“Our gratitude goes out to the Union for creating this competitive opportunity for the players this spring. The Army Navy Cup has been one of the marquee events for our league and the national men’s soccer landscape. We are ready to get after it again on April 25th against our rival,” said Russell Payne, Head Coach, Army West Point Men’s Soccer.
The Black Knights enter the matchup with an overall record of 2-3-1 and are coming off their best showing of the spring, a double-overtime battle at Boston University. Junior midfielder Oscar Pereira is Second Team All-Patriot League selection, leading the team with eight total points on the year with three goals and two assists. Freshman defender Jack Eaton enters the contest fresh off a Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honor in his first career start at Boston U. Goalkeeper Jacob Suppiah made seven saves on the year as he started all six games in goal.
Subaru Park will be able to host fans at partial capacity for the match, tickets are available for purchase HERE. Fans will enter through Crozer-Premier Gate starting at 1:00 p.m. ET, and those attending the match may park in Lot J, free of charge. During the match, guests can enjoy refreshments from the following cashless concessions: Chickie’s and Pete’s, P.J. Whelihan’s, and the Hot Dog Company, all found on the main concourse.
The Union and Subaru Park continue to follow government regulations, required health and safety protocols, and guidance from medical experts. All attendees must wear a mask at all times in Subaru Park, except when actively eating or drinking, and will receive a temperature check upon arrival at the gate. Additionally, seats have been spaced out throughout the bowl to allow for six feet of distance in all directions for each seated party. For full health and safety protocols at Subaru Park, please click HERE.
Army Navy Cup IX is presented by Leidos and made possible with the support from the following sponsors: Steamfitters Local Union 420, Visit Delco, Monroe Energy, and Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
The Philadelphia Union has played host to the Army-Navy Cup since its inaugural match in 2012, with Army currently leading the series at 3-2-3. The last time the academies met in 2019, the match ended in a 1-1 draw in double overtime.
Army Navy Cup IX
Army Navy Cup presented by Leidos is back at Subaru Park as the two military academies battle on the pitch Sunday, April 25th.
