Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
2 American
Bucknell Women's Soccer Wins First Patriot League Tournament Game Ever
11/9/2001 7:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Nov. 9, 2001
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Junior Emily Keber (Morristown, N.J./West Morris Mendham) put a shot from 10 yards out into the back of the net with just nine seconds remaining in the contest to lift the Bucknell women's soccer squad to an upset victory over American, 2-1, in Patriot League tournament action at Navy on Friday afternoon.
"This win means the world to our program," said Bucknell head coach Chrissy Findlay, who was voted by her peers as the league coach of the year for the second year in a row. "The seniors on this team were my first recruiting class and they were determined to come in her and get a win."
The Bison, seeded third in the four-team field, went up 1-0 on the second-seeded Eagles with a score 14:06 into the game. Senior All-Patriot League performer Lindsay Slomer (Cheswick, Pa./Springdale) chose the perfect time to tally her first goal in over a year, blasting an unassisted shot from 30 yards out past the American goalkeeper for the early lead. It was her first score since September 9, 2000.
The Eagles evened the score just over 11 minutes later when Katie Moore converted on a pass from Diane Wootton 25:57 into the contest.
Despite outshooting American, 17-12, in the game, the Orange and Blue struggled to convert on several opportunities in the second half. With the clock winding down and their fourth overtime game of the season appearing imminent, Keber passed the ball to junior All-Patriot League player Tara Utchel (Heidelberg, Pa./Sewickley) on the left wing. On a perfectly executed give-and-go, Utchel alertly found Keber on the right side of the box and the midfielder booted the ball past the goalie into the left corner for her second game-winning goal of the season.
"I didn't think anything could top my game-winner against Colgate (earlier this season), but this certainly does," said Keber. "This win is the most amazing thing that has happened to our program. We are looking forward to playing in the championship game."
"We were really struggling to get anything going," said Findlay. "We were reaching deep into the bench to try and find a spark. I was mentally preparing for overtime. I have no idea how Utchel saw her (Keber), but Tara (Utchel) has come up with those types of plays all year."
The victory marks the first time in nine attempts that the Bucknell women's soccer team has won a game in the Patriot League Tournament. The squad at 11-6 overall, just one victory shy of tying a school record, will face the winner of the #4 Lafayette/#1 Navy game at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday in the championship tilt for a chance to advance to the NCAA playoffs.
#3 Bucknell 1 1 -- 2 #2 American 1 0 -- 1
BU - Slomer (unassisted), 14:06
AU - Moore (Wootton), 25:57
BU - Keber (Utchel), 89:51
Shots: Bucknell 17. American 12.
Saves: Bucknell (Purse) 2. American (Liese) 5.
Corner Kicks: Bucknell 4. American 4.
Fouls: Bucknell 10. American 4.
Team Records: Bucknell 11-6. American 7-7-3.
