Never have there been more fans in the 14-year-long history of the annual Army-Navy Cup. In front of the record-breaking crowd of 11,363 attendees at Subaru Park, Army West Point continued its dominance against the Naval Academy and remained unbeaten for the fourth year in a row, winning the match 4-0.
The 2025 Army-Navy Cup marked its 14th anniversary of the annual competition between the two military colleges. Navy had big ambitions going into the game as they were hungry to get their first win over Army since 2021 and get their first conference win in the Patriot League this season.
“My class never won [the Army-Navy Cup]; it’s a big deal. I’ve never wanted to win more,” said Navy forward Andrew Schug, prior to the game on the Navy Men’s Soccer Instagram page.
But from the first minute, there was no question who the better team was. Army outworked the opponent, won almost all second balls, and did not let Navy get out of their own half.
In the 15th minute, Jack Kryger scored the first goal of the night. After a perfectly placed cross from Army captain Jack Myer, the midfielder headed the ball into the net. The goal was a shock for Navy, which was unable to show a response. Army goalkeeper Michael Guiry only had to use his hands to collect crosses.
In the second half, Army remained the dominant team and sought the second goal, rather than letting Navy have the ball.
It was substitute Riley Cullum who scored a beautiful goal in the 58th minute when he outran the Navy defense, cut inside, and beat goalkeeper Robert Eaton from 18 yards with a great shot.
Just 13 minutes later, it was the time of Jubril Bamgbala who scored two goals within 52 seconds. The junior converted a sharp cross after a corner in the 71st minute, and seconds later just passed the ball into the empty Navy goal after goalkeeper Eaton and defender JP Torres were unable to clear the ball out of the 18-yard box.
At this point, Navy gave up, and Army continued to control the game until the last second.
The 4-0 victory marked the highest win for Army in 14 years of the annual Army-Navy Cup and opened the door to qualify for the Patriots League postseason playoffs this year. Army is currently in sixth with seven points.
For Navy, however, the realistic chance to make the playoffs seems to have passed. They are in last place with only one point.
Both teams return home to continue their Patriot League Conference on Saturday, Oct.18th. Army will host Holy Cross at 6 p.m., while Navy will face Lafayette at 1 p.m.