Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Buffalo
Bucknell Men's Soccer Drops Season Opener at Buffalo, 2-1
8/29/2008 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 29, 2008
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senior Mark Schmiegel (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) scored a tying goal in the 54th minute, but Dominic Oppong spoiled Bucknell's season opener by scoring off a corner kick with just 3:13 remaining in regulation, lifting Buffalo to a 2-1 decision Friday night.
The Bison received a solid performance from freshman goalkeeper Tommy Caso (Phoenix, Md./McDonogh), who made seven saves in his collegiate debut, but the Bulls cashed in on half of their four corner kicks in the game.
Dezi Lara redirected a pass from Steffen Thoresen after a Buffalo corner in the 25th minute, giving the Bulls a 1-0 lead. It stayed that way until early in the second half, when Conor O'Brien (Mt. Sinai, N.Y./St. Anthony's) sent a through ball to Schmiegel, who buried his eighth career goal.
But Oppong knocked home a rebound at the 86:47 mark to win it for Buffalo.
The Bison were outshot 16-10 in a physical game that featured a total of five yellow cards. Rob Shuttleworth made five saves for Buffalo, which was also playing its season opener.
Bucknell will remain in Buffalo until Sunday, when it takes on Canisius at 1 p.m.
