FARMVILLE, Va. – A game-winning goal from Zach Crandall in the 85th minute and a three-point night from Willy Miezan propelled Longwood to a thrilling 2-1 upset victory over visiting Navy Friday night at the Longwood Athletics Complex.

Longwood (2-1-0) remains undefeated on its home field this season, after defeating a Navy (2-2-1) squad that was receiving votes in the NSCAA Coaches Poll coming into the game.

"It was a special night with our Lancer crowd supporting us," said head coach Jon Atkinson. "To be able to honor our servicemen and first responders was the cherry on the cake."

Crandall notched the game-winner with just under six minutes remaining, 13 minutes after Navy's Aubrey Jones tied the game on a penalty kick.

"We knew going in that Navy was going to bring a lot of energy and intensity," said head coach Jon Atkinson. "We were just unbeatable tonight. We needed to roll the dice a little bit and have a little luck go our way, but our guys played well and they deserved the result we were able to get tonight."

The pair of Crandall and Miezan have formed a dynamic pair for the Lancers, as the pair teamed up to connect on Crandall's game-winning strike in the 85th minute of play. It marked the seventh goal of the season from either Crandall or Miezan and Crandall's second game-winning goal in three games this season.

Meanwhile, Miezan continues to impress in the start of his Longwood career, extending his goal streak to three games.  The redshirt-freshman, who leads the Big South in goals this season and leads the nation in goals per game this season, notched a goal and the game-winning assist.

"I know my start has been fantastic, but I just want to work hard and help my team win," Miezan said.  

Carl Carpenter picked up the win in his third straight start, as he grabbed four saves on 15 total shots from the Midshipman attack. Morgan Jackson took the loss for the Midshipman, turning in a six-save performance on 10 total shots from the Lancers.

"This is obviously a good win for us moving forward," Carpenter said. "These are the type of teams we want to beat. Getting a win like this will just help boost our confidence to know that we can go out and beat high, quality opponents."

After a scoreless first half, Miezan's goal in the 49th minute gave Longwood a 1-0 advantage. The Alexandria, Va., product received a cross from Christian Keilty, chested the ball and punched it past Jackson for the key first goal.

However, a barrage of Navy shots over the next 23 minutes ensued to the tune of a 6-2 shot advantage during the period, but Carpenter and the Longwood defense withstood the test and the Lancers maintained the lead.

Navy's lone goal of the night came after Longwood defender Marten Pajurnum was whistled for a hand ball in the box and Jones tied the game with the penalty kick.

That set up Crandall's goal in the 85th minute of play off a cross from Miezan to regain the lead for the Lancers and secure the win.

"It was a real test of character after we gave up the goal to Navy to tie the game," Atkinson said. "The response afterward was just a team effort, they weren't willing to let this one slip away."

Longwood will look to build off the performance, as the squad travels to Boone, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 15 to face Appalachian St. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

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