SETTING THE STAGE: The Holy Cross men's soccer team will open competition in the 2021 Patriot League Tournament when it plays host to Army West Point in the quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 6:00 p.m. The Crusaders are the No. 3 seed in the tournament, while the Black Knights are seeded sixth. If Holy Cross wins, it would face No. 2 seed American in the semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 12:00 p.m. If Army wins, it would take on No. 1 seed Loyola (Md.) in the semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7:00 p.m.

HOLY CROSS IN THE PATRIOT LEAGUE TOURNAMENT: The Crusaders will be making their 15th all-time appearance in the Patriot League Tournament and have an all-time mark of 3-12-5 in tournament play (advancing or winning on penalty kicks after four of the five tie games). Holy Cross won the Patriot League title in 2002, and also finished as the runner-up in 2001, 2008, 2013 and 2017. The Crusaders have advanced to the championship game in three of their last four tournament appearances, including two of the three times they have played in the tournament under head coach Marco Koolman.

THE SERIES WITH ARMY: The Black Knights hold a 19-16-5 lead in the all-time series between the schools, which began in 1983. The series is deadlocked at 2-2-1 over the last five meetings, and neither team has posted back-to-back victories since the Crusaders won two straight in 2012 and 2013. The only previous postseason meeting between the schools came in the 2013 Patriot League semifinals, when they played to a 1-1 double overtime tie before Holy Cross advanced 4-3 on penalty kicks.

KRAUSE LEADS THE CRUSADERS: Senior midfielder Max Krause is now in his fifth year with the Crusaders, after earning first team All-Patriot League honors in the spring of 2021. He currently ranks second on the team in scoring with 21 points on six goals and nine assists. During the Bucknell game, Krause scored two goals to lead Holy Cross to the win. Previously against Lehigh, he recorded the 19th assist of his collegiate career, breaking the school record which had been held by Wayne Mullin (18 assists, 1985-1988). Krause has now totaled 15 goals and 22 assists for 52 points in 69 career games played (58 starts), to rank seventh in school history in points.

JONES HAS IMPRESSIVE ROOKIE YEAR: Freshman forward Evan Jones leads the team in scoring with 22 points on eight goals and six assists this season. Seven of his goals have come in the last 13 games, including the game winner in the Oct. 10 victory over Lehigh. Jones' 22 points on the year are currently the most of any player in the Patriot League and the fourth-most of any freshman in the nation.

THE CAPTAINS: Senior midfielder Max Krause, junior midfielder Matt McGonigle and junior defender Taj Salawu are serving as the Crusaders' captains this season.

SHARING THE BALL: Holy Cross has been an excellent passing team this year, leading the Patriot League with 41 total assists. Senior midfielder Max Krause currently leads the team with nine assists, followed by freshman forward Evan Jones with six. Krause's nine assists are tied for second place on the Holy Cross single-season list (just one shy of the school single-season record), while Jones' six assists are tied for seventh.

THE LAST MEETING: The Crusaders were defeated by the Black Knights 2-0 at Malek Stadium at Clinton Field when these teams met earlier this season, on Oct. 23, 2021. Army opened the scoring in the 28th minute when John Poncy knocked home a cross by Oscar Pereira from six yards out in the center. Then in the 40th minute, Jake Burgess broke free behind the defense to score from 16 yards out on the left side. The Black Knights finished the night with a 10-6 advantage in shots, while the Crusaders held a 3-1 edge in corner kicks. Holy Cross played the majority of the game a man down, following a red card in the third minute.

SENIOR SALUTE: Prior to the Oct. 30 game against Lafayette, three senior members of the program who will be concluding their collegiate careers at the end of the 2021 season were honored in a special pregame ceremony. Midfielder Andres Chacon, defender Nick Hellmann-Rhodes and midfielder Max Krause were all recognized.

SCOUTING THE BLACK KNIGHTS: Army stands 7-7-2 overall this year with a 4-4-1 mark in Patriot League play. The Black Knights are just 1-5-1 over their last seven games, but their one victory during that stretch did come over Holy Cross. Senior midfielder Oscar Pereira leads the team in scoring with 18 points on six goals and six assists. Senior Jacob Suppiah has started 12 games in goal, posting a 1.47 goals against average with 42 saves.