Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
NJIT
Third Goal in Four Games by O'Brien Leads Bucknell Men's Soccer to 1-0 Win Over NJIT
10/31/2007 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 31, 2007
NEWARK, N.J. - Sophomore Conor O'Brien (Mt. Sinai, N.Y./St. Anthony's) scored his third goal in the last four games to lead the Bucknell men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory at NJIT Wednesday evening. The Bison, who were playing their final road match of the campaign, improved to 7-5-4 this season, while the Highlanders lost for the second time in their last four games and fell to 3-11-1.
O'Brien, who took over the team lead in both goals (5) and points (13), took a pass from Kevin Holmes (Pompton Plains, N.J./Pequannock) and tallied the only score of the game early in the first half at the 7:52 mark. Ross Liberati (Warwick, Md./Tower Hill) took control of the ball at midfield and played it to Holmes in the right corner. Holmes proceeded to beat his defender one-on-one and found O'Brien by the near post. O'Brien placed the ball into the net over the goalie's head. The assist was the second of the season for Holmes, a new career high.
Bison senior co-captain Joey Kuterbach (Kingwood, Texas/Kingwood) was strong in goal, recording his seventh shutout of the season, and the 17th of his career. He tallied seven saves, his most since recording eight against Northern Illinois in the season opener on Aug. 31, and moved into eighth place in Bucknell history with 223 career saves. His counterpart, Collin Cunning, also made seven saves.
Overall, the game, which featured few scoring chances, was relatively even statistically with both teams attempting 12 shots and NJIT narrowly winning the corner kick battle, 3-2. The Bison were whistled for 12 fouls, compared to just six for the Highlanders. The six-foul discrepancy came in the first half when Bucknell had seven fouls and NJIT only one.
The win pushed Bucknell's road record this season to 4-3-1, but the Bison have now won four of their last five road matches. Additionally, Bucknell has now won at least seven games in a season for the sixth consecutive year.
The Bison will return home for their final two games of the season. Next up is Friday's contest against Patriot League rival Lehigh that will be televised nationally on Fox Soccer Channel starting at 8 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear orange-colored clothing to the game, which will feature a pregame tailgate by Damon's Grill. Meals will cost between $7-$9.
