WEST POINT, N.Y. — The Army West Point women’s soccer team delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over the Loyola Greyhounds on Friday night, sending their seniors out in style while securing at least a top-three finish in the Patriot League regular season standings.
Senior Brigid Duffy and freshman Sophia Henry provided the goals, while sophomore Bella Conti orchestrated the attack with two assists in a performance that showcased the Black Knights’ championship aspirations at Clinton Field.
Senior Night Celebration
Before kickoff, Army West Point honored seven seniors and three managers in an emotional pregame ceremony. The Black Knights (11-4-2, 5-2-1 Patriot League) then backed up the celebration with a dominant performance that left no doubt about their status as one of the conference’s elite programs.
The victory was particularly meaningful for the seniors, who have helped build a culture of excellence that embodies the military motto “This We’ll Defend” — Honor, Discipline, Duty.
“First, words can’t express how proud I am of this group and the opportunity to celebrate and recognize our Firsties (seniors). Our Firsties have truly transformed this program and just an amazing night for them and this group,” head coach Alyssa Chao said after the match.
Breaking Down Loyola’s Defense
Army faced a tactical challenge against Loyola’s organized low block and counterattacking setup, but the Black Knights’ high-tempo approach proved to be the difference.
“Loyola’s a very good team and organized. We knew we had to play at a high tempo. So proud of how our group stepped on the field with intensity and urgency,” Chao explained.
That intensity paid dividends in the 31st minute after a crucial Loyola turnover just outside the 18-yard box. Conti and Duffy found themselves in a 2-on-1 situation against a lone Greyhound defender.
Duffy Extends Patriot League Scoring Lead
Army broke through in the 31st minute after a crucial Loyola turnover just outside the 18-yard box. Conti and Duffy found themselves in a 2-on-1 situation against a lone Greyhound defender.
Conti drove through the box before sliding a perfectly weighted pass across to Duffy, who struck a clinical shot into the bottom right corner to give the Black Knights a 1-0 lead.
Army West Point sophomore Bella Conti (left) celebrates with senior Brigid Duffy (#10) after Duffy scored her 13th goal of the season during the Black Knights’ 2-0 Senior Night victory over Loyola at Clinton Field on October 24, 2025. Conti assisted on both Army goals in the win. Mandatory Credit: Virginia Shea/Army West Point Athletics Army West Point sophomore Bella Conti and senior Brigid Duffy leap into a joyful mid-air embrace after Duffy’s goal during the Black Knights’ 2-0 Senior Night victory over Loyola at Clinton Field on October 24, 2025. Conti assisted on the goal, one of her two assists in the match. Mandatory Credit: Virginia Shea/Army West Point Athletics Army West Point sophomore Bella Conti (right) celebrates with senior Brigid Duffy (#10) after Duffy scored her 13th goal of the season during the Black Knights’ 2-0 Senior Night victory over Loyola at Clinton Field on October 24, 2025. Conti assisted on both Army goals in the win. Mandatory Credit: Virginia Shea/Army West Point Athletics Army West Point players come together in celebration after freshman Sophia Henry scored in the 57th minute to give the Black Knights a 2-0 lead over Loyola during Senior Night at Clinton Field on October 24, 2025. Henry’s goal, her ninth of the season, leads all Patriot League freshmen. Mandatory Credit: Virginia Shea/Army West Point Athletics The Army West Point women’s soccer team celebrates in a joyful huddle after freshman Sophia Henry’s 57th-minute goal doubled the Black Knights’ lead to 2-0 over Loyola on Senior Night at Clinton Field on October 24, 2025. The goal helped secure a top-three playoff seed for Army. Mandatory Credit: Virginia Shea/Army West Point Athletics
The goal was Duffy’s 13th of the season, extending her lead atop the Patriot League scoring charts. More impressively, it marked her NCAA-leading seventh game-winning goal of the campaign, cementing her status as one of the nation’s most clutch performers.
“First assist just made the defensive effort and saw Brigid, chose to set her up to let her do what she does best,” Conti said after the match.
Second-Half Insurance Goal
Army carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime, but the Black Knights had dominated possession and created numerous chances against Loyola’s defensive block. The Greyhounds were fortunate to be down just one goal at the break.
The Black Knights wasted no time putting the game away in the second half. Just under 12 minutes after the restart, Conti struck again.
The sophomore took the ball down the side of the box and found Henry making a run through the middle. Henry’s near-post finish hit the back of the net at 56:44, doubling Army’s lead to 2-0 and effectively sealing the victory.
The goal was Henry’s ninth of the season, leading all Patriot League freshmen and announcing her arrival as one of the conference’s brightest young stars.
“Second assist chose to go forward, we needed another goal, saw Sophia running, and played her,” Conti explained.
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Conti’s Playmaking Surge
Conti’s two-assist performance continued a remarkable stretch of creativity for the sophomore. She has now recorded five assists in the last three games, establishing herself as one of the Patriot League’s most dangerous playmakers.
Her vision, decision-making, and ability to deliver quality service in the final third have been instrumental in Army’s late-season surge.
“The seniors are my biggest role models, and I look up to each of them as a person and a player. It meant the world to me to help the team win today for the seniors; they deserve nothing less, and we aren’t done yet. Excited for more,” Conti said.
Clinching a Top-Three Seed
The victory represented more than just a senior night celebration—it was a statement of intent from a team with championship aspirations.
“We talked last game (Lafayette) about solidifying a spot in the tournament. But we want more and this game meant an opportunity to clinch a top 3 seed. And this group rose to the occasion and again, just so proud of our collective performance,” Chao said.
With the win, Army has guaranteed itself at least a third-seed position for the Patriot League playoffs. The Black Knights had already clinched a playoff berth before Friday’s match, but the victory over fourth-seeded Loyola further solidified their standing.
Army’s final regular-season position will depend on the results from Colgate and Boston University in the coming days. Regardless of where they finish, the Black Knights have proven they belong among the conference’s elite and possess the talent to make a deep postseason run.
Dail Records Fifth Shutout
Sophomore goalkeeper Karalyn Dail was rarely tested but remained sharp when called upon, making one save to preserve her fifth shutout of the season. All five of Dail’s clean sheets have come in Patriot League victories, underscoring her reliability in conference play.
The Black Knights’ defensive structure limited Loyola’s opportunities throughout the match, forcing the Greyhounds to chase the game for the majority of the 90 minutes.
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Playoff Picture Solidified
With the victory, Army has guaranteed itself at least a third-seed position for the Patriot League playoffs. The Black Knights had already clinched a playoff berth before Friday’s match, but the win over fourth-seeded Loyola further solidified their standing.
Army’s final regular-season position will depend on results from Colgate and Boston University in the coming days. Regardless of where they finish, the Black Knights have proven they belong among the conference’s elite and possess the talent to make a deep postseason run.
Dominant Statistical Performance
Army controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting Loyola and maintaining territorial advantage for the majority of the contest. Duffy led all players with five shots, while multiple Black Knights played the full 90 minutes.
The Black Knights peppered the Loyola goal throughout the first half, and the Greyhounds’ backline was under constant pressure. Army’s relentless attacking approach left Loyola scrambling defensively and unable to establish any rhythm in possession.
Looking Ahead: Regular Season Finale
Army West Point will close out the regular season on Wednesday, October 29, when they travel to Worcester, Mass., to face Holy Cross at 6 p.m. The match will provide one final opportunity for the Black Knights to fine-tune their game before the Patriot League playoffs begin.
With momentum building, a potent attack led by Duffy and Henry, creative playmaking from Conti, and a stingy defense anchored by Dail, Army West Point is positioned to make serious noise in the postseason.
The seniors have set the standard. Now, the entire roster is determined to deliver a championship-caliber finish.
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Match Summary
Final Score: Army West Point 2, Loyola 0
Date: October 24, 2025
Venue: Clinton Field, West Point, N.Y.
Attendance: Senior Night Crowd
Scoring Summary
- 30:00 — Army: Brigid Duffy (Bella Conti)
- 56:44 — Army: Sophia Henry (Bella Conti)
Key Stats
- Goals: Brigid Duffy (1), Sophia Henry (1)
- Assists: Bella Conti (2)
- Shots: Brigid Duffy (5)
- Saves: Karalyn Dail (1)
Army West Point Leaders
- Brigid Duffy: 13 goals (Patriot League leader), 7 game-winning goals (NCAA leader)
- Sophia Henry: 9 goals (Patriot League freshman leader)
- Bella Conti: 5 assists in last 3 games
- Karalyn Dail: 5 shutouts (all in Patriot League wins)
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