Photo courtesy of Naval Academy

Who: Army West Point (Overall: 8-1-4 Conference: 2-0-2) vs. Naval Academy (Overall: 8-1-5 Conference: 1-1-2)
What: NCAA Patriot League Regular Season, Star Series match
Where: Subaru Park
When: Friday, October 10th, 4 PM
Watch: ESPN +
Whistle: TBA

The 14th annual edition of this storied rivalry between military academies will be one for the history books. For the first time ever, Subaru Park will play host to a double header, as the Women’s Army-Navy Cup matchup will occur directly before the Men’s teams clash. For the Women’s squads, the Midshipmen hold the lead in the all-time series, posting a 18-4-16 record overall. However, the Black Knights have come out victors in the last 4 matchups between the sides – and enter this match in good form – setting up an intriguing clash on the banks of the Delaware.

Scouting report: Army West Point (W-L-W-L-W)

Army’s scoring charts are topped by Brigid Duffy and Sophia Henry. Duffy – a senior – already has 10 goals on the year while Henry – a freshman – has grabbed 7 strikes and added an assist for good measure. Duffy was named to the All-Patrio League Second Team last year, and nabbed a First Team spot in 2023. Henry has thrice been named the Patrioy League’s ‘Rookie of the Week’ this season. Their presence on attack will keep Navy’s defense and goalkeeper busy.  

In net, the Black Nights will turn to Karalyn Dail. After a redshirt season, the Sophomore goalkeeper has assumed starting duties for Army. She has posted two shutouts so far, but has managed a .746 save percentage.

Tracy Chao has accumulated a 50-19-27 overall record, with a 3-0 victory over Colgate on October 4th seeing her hit the 50 win threshold. Chao has led the Black Knights since 2021, and has helped Army achieve the Patriot League Regular Season Title twice (2022 & 2023). In the last matchup against Naval Academy, Chao’s side came out as 1-0 victors in last year’s Patriot League Quarter-Finals, but were ultimately dispatched in the next round by Boston University.

Scouting report: Naval Academy (L-T-L-W-W)

Navy’s attack is led by Marlee Heaven. The senior striker has netted a career best 7 goals for the Midshipmen, including 5 game-winners. Defensively, the team is anchored by team captain Jordan Townsed. The senior has played in 70 games for Navy, making 49 starts. Freshman Helen Bonner is also a regular starter, and is capable of playing either full back or winger, adding a different dynamic to Navy’s offensive efforts. She posted a career game in Navy’s 3-1 win over Boston University in Patriot League play on September 20th, scoring the opener and assisting the insurance tally. 

Navy is headed by long time coach Carin Jennings-Gabarra. Jennings-Gabarra sports an all-time record of 396-67-195 with the Midshipmen and has led them to 26 Patriot League Tournaments, winning 5. Navy has reached the NCAA Tournament 5 times under her charge. Jennings-Gabarra was also a renowned player for the US Women’s National team. She won the Golden Ball at the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup after scoring 6 goals at the tournament, including a hat-trick against Germany in the semi-finals, to give the US their first World Cup trophy.

Marlee Heaven

Heaven is something of a talisman for Navy, if the Midshipmen are to break the winless streak against Army, it will likely come through her attacking abilities.

Prediction: Army 2 – 1 Navy

While Navy is no pushover, the Army attack will prove too much to handle for the Midshipmen. The Black Knights will come out victorious once again – likely thanks to goals from Brigid Duffy and Sophia Henry.