Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Boston University
Bison, Terriers Play to 1-1 Tie on Saturday in Patriot League Opener
9/24/2016 4:46:00 PM | Men's Soccer
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell and Boston University traded goals in the second half, but 110 minutes wasn't enough as the Bison and Terriers played to a 1-1 draw Saturday afternoon at Emmitt Field in the conference opener for both teams.
This was the fifth meeting between these two teams, all since Boston University joined the Patriot League in 2013, and all five have gone to overtime. The Bison are now 2-0-3 in those games, including a 1-1 stalemate in last year's meeting to open the conference schedule. Bucknell moves to 2-5-2 overall, while Boston University, which was coming off a 2-0 win over Brown, is 3-2-1.
Bucknell and Boston University combined to generate 42 shots and 16 corner kicks in the contest, with the Bison holding a 24-18 advantage in shots and the Terriers with a 12-4 margin in corners.
The Bison controlled the first half of the match, outshooting the Terriers 8-1. Bucknell nearly found the back of the net in the 23rd minute off a shot from Nick King, but the ball went just wide of the far post.
Following a scoreless first half of action, Bucknell struck first to begin the second half. In the 47th minute, freshman Patrick Mahoney flicked in a header off a corner kick Dan Bank for his first collegiate goal.
Boston University, picked second in the Patriot League Preseason Poll, knocked in the equalizer in the 74th minute. Anthony Viteri, the Patriot League Preseason Midfielder of the Year, shot from the right side of the 18-yard box to the left post. Jerry Ozor was credited with an assist.
Though the Terriers held a 12-8 shot advantage in the second half, the Bison did a great job of preventing scoring opportunities. In the 81st minute, Matt McDonnell had a good look, but his shot was deflected by Tyler Peterson.
In the first overtime period, the Terriers, who reached the NCAA Tournament a season ago, took seven shots, but were unable to score. Freshman goalkeeper Emmett Witmer made six saves in the game, including a pair of tough stops in the 94th minute to keep the match tied.
Boston University nearly scored in the final minute of the first overtime period, but senior defender Zack Rockmore made an incredible save off the line to force 10 more minutes.
In the 102nd minute, Crispin Muessle almost gave Bucknell the go-ahead score, but his shot went just wide.
“In the first half, we were the better team.” said head coach Brendan Nash. “In the second half, Boston was the better team. Both teams had chances in overtime but that's the Patriot League. We could have won, we could have lost, but I think a tie was a fair result for both teams, based on how the game was played.”
Bucknell will take a break from league action with a non-conference matchup at Binghamton on Tuesday (Sept. 27). Game time is set for 7 p.m.
