Bucknell University Athletics
Bison Voices - Jason Soto, Men's Soccer
9/26/2006 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 26, 2006
This past week provided us with needed results. Looking back to a year ago, our squad came up short against our two opponents from last week, Army and St. Peter's. These two losses put blemishes on our 2005 season, as Army's win panned out to be their only result in the Patriotic League that year, and St. Peter's victory at our new field inauguration knocked out our hopes of opening the facility on the right foot. Coming into the week, a revenge factor played into our practice mentality.
Our mid-week game at St. Peter's wasn't as picturesque as we would have liked it to be. A muddy pitch and steady wind made it difficult for us to play our style. In retrospect, it seemed more like a grudge match than a soccer game. Alex Russo once again lifted our team to victory with a late second half goal saving us from an unwanted overtime. Nathan LaGrave and Russo continue to connect at the times when we need them most. By far, the best player on the field was our goalie, Joey Kuterbach. He made a number of key saves, including a late point blank reaction save to earn his third shutout of the year. Day in and day out he continues to be our vocal leader and mentor. I contribute much of our recent success to his positive leadership and ability to keep our entire squad organized. When I mean organized, that is not just defensively, but rather a sound structure starting all the way up top with the forwards. Our first goal was completed with the 1-0 result at St. Peter's.
Saturday night our youthful inexperience was apparent in the first half. We played Army's direct soccer, which proved to be ineffective, and made the game appear even in the first half. Come halftime we collected as a unit, and came to the conclusion that we seemed a bit nervous. Coach Nash reiterated that the goals will come if we approach the game composed and relaxed. He told us, "Control the game and we'll net three goals." We settled down and took over in the second half once we started knocking the ball around on the ground. Russo once again found himself in the right place at the right time, and Conor O'Brien ripped the second goal into the upper ninety for the first of his career. A third goal by Kevin Holmes would have fulfilled coach's prediction, but it was called back on an offside whistle. Kuterbach retained his fourth shutout of the season with flawless ease. Final score 2-0.
Looking ahead to this week we face two formidable opponents to close out our three-game stretch at home. Princeton and Colgate are two solid squads, but we are more than prepared for both of them. Princeton will be seeking a result after falling to us 1-0 at home last year. Colgate brings in a similar 2-0 record in the PL and a nationally recognized defense, which we have been waiting to unravel with our potent attack. This week should present us with good matches. See you Wednesday at 7 p.m. for Princeton, and Saturday at 4 p.m. against Colgate out at West Fields.
Proverbial words of wisdom for the week: "Beggars can't be choosers." - Holmes '08
- Jason Soto, Bucknell Men's Soccer
