Bucknell University
American
Bucknell Women's Soccer Drops Patriot League Opener at American, 3-1
10/3/2009 8:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 3, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Playing from behind for almost the full 90 minutes, the Bucknell women's soccer team fell 3-1 at American in the Patriot League openers for both teams Saturday at Reeves Field. Caitlin Holtz (Freehold, N.J./The Peddie School) scored Bucknell's lone goal on a second-half penalty kick, but a big first half for the Eagles helped them snap a five-game winless streak against the Bison.
American (6-6, 1-0) opened the scoring just 8:06 into the contest, when Kelsey Brasher scored her fifth goal of the season off assists from Erin Koch and Brooke Sheppard. In the 35th minute American went up 2-0 when Koch and Brasher set up Patricia Bailey for a running header.
After being outshot 8-4 in the opening 45 minutes, Bucknell played much better in the second half but could not come all the way back. In the 57th minute Holtz scored her second goal of the season, this one on a penalty kick, to bring the Bison within 2-1. But just over eight minutes later the Eagles were awarded a PK of their own, and Erin Stebbins placed a shot into the left side of the net to restore the two-goal lead.
American finished with a 13-11 shot advantage, while Bucknell led 6-3 in corner kicks. Christa Matlack (South Williamsport, Pa./South Williamsport) led all players with five shots, three of which were on frame. Goalkeepers Arianna Efstathiou and Kathryn Sutton (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville Area) both made four saves.
Bucknell had been 4-0-1 in its last five games against American, including a 2-1 win at home last season.
The Bison play two home conference games next week, hosting Lafayette on Friday night at 7 p.m. and Lehigh on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Emmitt Field.
