During this unprecedented time when we will be without sporting events for the near future, the Holy Cross Vault will take a look back at old stories about some of the Crusaders' top moments in recent years. Our long and storied history is filled with memories of championships, record-setting performances and accomplishments that defied the odds. The Holy Cross Vault will give you a chance to re-live some of your favorite moments from the past, or learn for the first time about things you might have missed.
This week, we look back to Nov. 17, 2002, when the Holy Cross men's soccer team defeated Lehigh on penalty kicks to win its first Patriot League Tournament championship.
BOSTON, Mass. - Junior midfielder Chris Napolitano made up for not converting on his first penalty kick by scoring on his second, the 11th for Holy Cross, as the top-seeded Crusaders defeated third-seeded Lehigh at Nickerson Field for their first Patriot League men's soccer championship.
The teams battled to a scoreless tie through 90 minutes of regulation and 20 minutes of sudden-death overtime. Holy Cross' first penalty kick was denied by Lehigh goalkeeper Ryan Grzeszczak, then the Crusaders hit 10 straight to win the title. Lehigh's two misses were a shot wide on the third attempt and a save by Crusader goalkeeper Kevin Baker on the 11th attempt.
The Crusaders' defense, which posted its 11th shutout of the season, was spearheaded by senior defender Rusty Giudici, who was named Tournament MVP.
Holy Cross wins its first league championship in four Patriot League Tournament appearances. The Crusaders (13-4-1), the regular-season champions, receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which begins on Friday, Nov. 22.
Lehigh (11-7-2), which advanced to Sunday's title match by topping American in penalty kicks in Friday's semifinal match, suffered through its fourth straight scoreless match. The Mountain Hawks have not scored a goal since a 1-1 tie against American on Nov. 2.
The Mountain Hawks, along with American (12-7-1), are among the top-ranked teams in their respective regions and hoping to gain an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament when the bracket is announced at 4:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon.
Scoring in the shootout for Lehigh, which kicked first, were Dan Perciballi, Doug Cusick, Keith Ritchings, Evan Bruno, Wes Roach, Manbaj Gill, Brandon Smith, Ben Gucciardi and James Lawler.
Scoring for the Crusaders were Matt Ney, Paul Kitson, Pat Montgomery, Giudici, Anthony Cinelli, Christopher Ruggi, William Stewart, Joe Foerster, Geoffrey O'Connell and Napolitano.
