Main Story: American University hosts Holy Cross on Friday in its regular-season home finale, looking to extend a four-game unbeaten streak and earn a bye to the Patriot League semifinals. The Eagles have already secured a conference tournament spot and can claim the bye with a win.

By the Numbers
  • American: 4-6-5 overall, 4-1-2 in Patriot League play.
  • Holy Cross: 2-7-7 overall, 1-3-3 in league play; the Crusaders have allowed 29 goals.
  • American is unbeaten in its last 4 matches; goalkeeper Evan Tubbs has made 11 saves during that stretch.
  • Kickoff is Friday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m. at Reeves Field in Washington, D.C.
Yes, But

American has found late goals to earn results, but Holy Cross presents a scoring threat in sophomore James Hatcher, who has 7 goals and 16 points. The Crusaders have struggled defensively, conceding the second-most goals in the Patriot League.

State of Play
  • American has clinched a tournament berth and is chasing a semifinal bye.
  • The Eagles have scored in the final 10 minutes of each of their last 3 matches.
  • Holy Cross sits ninth in the league standings and is coming off a 0-0 tie with Brown.
What’s Next

A win would secure American the semifinal bye. The Eagles close their regular season against Holy Cross, with the conference tournament ahead.

Bottom Line

American’s late-game momentum has put a bye within reach; protecting home field against a struggling Holy Cross defense is the final step.