Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Men's Soccer Returns Home for Patriot League Skirmish with Lafayette
10/14/2005 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 14, 2005
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Coming off a difficult three-game road trip, the Bucknell men's soccer team returns home Saturday night to face Patriot League rival Lafayette at 7 p.m. at Varsity Soccer Field. The Bison, who are 2-1-1 at home this year, will be aiming for their third consecutive home victory as they attempt to put a halt to the Leopards' three-game winning streak in the first of four consecutive home games.
Following its last home game, a 1-0 upset of No. 19 Binghamton, Bucknell owned a 5-2-1 record, but it has dropped three straight games to fall to 5-5-2 overall and 1-2-0 in Patriot League play. The Bison had difficulty scoring during the three-game skid as a goal by senior Eric Brunton (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) during Wednesday night's 3-1 loss to Rutgers ended a scoreless stretch that spanned four games and more than 279 minutes.
The strength of this year's Bucknell squad has continued to be its defense, which is led by senior goalkeeper Adam Edwards (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown). He has started all 12 games and leads the Patriot League with six shutouts. With the 1-0 shutout of Binghamton just over two weeks ago, Edwards tied Ted Peterson atop the Bison career shutout list with 24. Edwards, who is sixth in Patriot League history with 261 career saves, leads the league in saves with 54 this season. He also tops the conference in saves per game (4.5) and ranks third in goals-against average (0.95).
Lafayette, which is 7-3-0 overall and 1-1-0 in the Patriot League, has won three consecutive matches and four of its last five. The Leopards have a potent offense that is averaging 1.6 goals per game, which ranks third in the Patriot League. The offensive firepower is provided by sophomore Scott Hawkins and junior Thomas Harju. Hawkins is second in the league with five goals, while Harju leads the conference with six assists.
On the defensive side of the field, senior goalkeeper Mike Tortora has been solid. He has posted three shutouts and allowed 11 goals. He has made 36 saves and owns a 1.18 goals-against average.
Saturday's game will mark the Leopards' first contest in 11 days. Their Oct. 8 match at Army was postponed due to last weekend's drenching rains.
Bucknell has played Lafayette 54 times since the series began in 1931. The Bison have played only Penn State (65 games) and Delaware (58) more often in the 76-year history of the program. A late goal by Ori Adrabi gave Bucknell a 2-1 road victory over the Leopards last year. The Bison have won the last two meetings between the two teams.
Both Bucknell and Lafayette enter Saturday's game with one Patriot League victory. Entering the weekend, Lehigh, Navy, Colgate and American are tied atop the Patriot League standings at 2-1-0. The Bison, Leopards and Army are next in line with one win apiece. Holy Cross (0-3-0) is the only winless team in conference play.
Saturday's skirmish with Lafayette marks the first of three consecutive Saturdays Bucknell will host Patriot League foes. The Bison will welcome Lehigh (Oct. 22) and American (Oct. 29) to Varsity Soccer Field the next two Saturdays. Before that, Bucknell will host Saint Francis (Pa.) Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m.
