Bucknell University
American
American Rallies Late to Defeat Bucknell Men's Soccer, 2-1
10/1/2011 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 1, 2011
Final Stats | Photos Coming Soon!
LEWISBURG, Pa. - The Bucknell men's soccer team suffered a second straight tough loss to open Patriot League play, as American shook off an own goal in the 70th minute and rallied for a 2-1 win Saturday night at wet, chilly Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium. Substitute Jack Scott scored the game-winner with 8:22 remaining, helping the Eagles get to 2-0 in the Patriot League while the Bison fell to 0-2.
After firing 25 shots in last week's 1-0 double-overtime loss to Lehigh, Bucknell's offense was fairly well stifled in this one. The Bison were outshot 13-6 in the game, and American keeper Matt Makowski was only required to make two saves.
After an uneventful first half, the Bison got things going a bit in the second. Their best scoring chance came with 28 minutes left, when Brendan Burgdorf (Westfield, N.J./Pingry School) just missed the back post with a header off a corner kick.
An unusual flurry happened with about 20 minutes remaining in the contest. First, Bucknell keeper Tommy Caso (Phoenix, Md./McDonogh) made a terrific diving save to prevent an own goal, as a Bison player mis-hit a clearing attempt after a free kick into the box. Then just a few seconds later, Bucknell sent a high bouncing ball into the American penalty area. Forward Josh Plump (Millburn, N.J./Millburn) pressured an American defender into a difficult back pass toward Makowski, but the volley sailed over his head and into the back of the net for a 1-0 Bison lead.
The Eagles needed only 1:43 to equalize, however, as Cristobal Soto sent a cross into the box from the right wing, and Seth Goldman was able to settle and drive a left-footed shot through Caso from about 12 yards out. Ten minutes after that, midfielder Marco Dej sent a long pass over the defense and onto the foot of Scott, who scored from just inside the area to put American in front for the first time.
Bucknell had a couple of set pieces in the closing minutes but could not make anything of them.
Caso finished with three saves for the Bison, who are now 5-5 on the season. American has won three straight matches to improve to 4-6-1 overall.
Bucknell now has an uphill climb in the race for the postseason, with three of their next four Patriot League contests coming on the road. The Bison visit UMBC for a non-league affair on Tuesday night, then they will play at Navy next Saturday at 8 p.m.
