Men?s Soccer Hosts Preseason Favorite American on Homecoming Weekend

Setting the Scene
Who: American (7-5-3, 4-1-0 PL) at Bucknell (5-8-2, 2-2-1 PL)
When: Saturday, October 22, 2016 – 4 p.m.
Where: Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium – Lewisburg, Pa.
Webcast: Patriot League Network
Live Stats: BucknellBison.com

About the Bison
>> Bucknell returns to action following a 2-1 road victory at Navy Saturday at Glenn Warner Soccer Facility. Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Nick King connected on the equalizer in the 72nd minute, then assisting on the game-winning score in the final minute, earning Patriot League Men's Soccer Midfielder and Rookie of the Week honors, while being named Bison Athlete of the Week.
>> Zack Rockmore scored the decisive goal in the contest, while helping the Bucknell defense to a strong defensive effort following the Howard victory to earn Patriot League Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week accolades.
>> Sebastiaan Blickman has accumulated a team-high 17 points, which ranks second in the Patriot League, while posting seven goals, third most in the conference.
>> King has tallied 15 points on four goals and seven assists, the highest assist total in the conference.
>> Emmett Witmer has started the last nine games in goal, posting 30 saves and a .714 save percentage.
>> Bucknell is 0-1-1 in Patriot League home games this season.

Scouting the Eagles
>> American is coming off a 2-1 loss at No. 1 Maryland Tuesday night. Chris Fanet scored the equalizer in the 34^th minute, before Maryland scored the go-ahead goal in the 70^th minute.
>> Joe Iraola leads the team in points (15) and goals (6), while Fanet, Joel Hart, Dale Ludwig, a Preseason All-Patriot League selection, and Garrett Muzikowski have scored three goals apiece.
>> Lucas Belanger has started all 15 games in goal for the Eagles, recording 57 saves with a .740 save percentage and four shutouts.
>> American leads the country in shots on goal per game (8.27).
>> The Eagles hold league victories over Colgate, Boston University, Lafayette and Army West Point.
>> American is 3-3-3 on the road this season, including a 3-0 mark against league opponents.
>> American was tabbed the preseason favorite in the PL Preseason Poll.

Series History
>> Bucknell is 6-13-1 in the all-time series against American. The Bison suffered a 3-0 loss last year in Washington, D.C.
>> Bucknell is winless against the Eagles in the regular season dating back to 2007.
>> The Bison last defeated American in the quarterfinals of the 2013 Patriot League Tournament, winning a 3-1 decision at Emmitt Field.

Weekly Awards
>> Patriot League Midfielder of the Week
            * Sebastiaan Blickman (Oct. 10)
* Nick King (Oct. 17)
>> Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week
* Zack Rockmore (Oct. 17)
>> Patriot League Rookie of the Week
            *Emmett Witmer (Sept. 19) * Nick King (Oct. 17)
>> Bison Athlete of the Week
*Nick King (Oct. 17)