Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell’s Nicoll, Kieffer Earn Patriot League Weekly Honors
8/28/2023 2:53:00 PM | Men's Soccer
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Junior goalkeeper Jake Nicoll and sophomore defender Aidan Kieffer made their first collegiate starts memorable ones in last Thursday's 2-1 win over Mount St. Mary's, and both have been honored with Patriot League weekly awards. Nicoll was selected as the Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week, while Kieffer earned Defensive Player of the Week accolades.
Kieffer earned a starting nod at center back after a strong summer club season and an impressive preseason camp at Bucknell. Not only was he part of a strong opening-night defensive performance that limited the Mountaineers to only nine total shots and no goals from the run of play, but he also scored the team's first goal of the season.
Kieffer came forward in the 22nd minute when the Bison had an opportunity for a long throw into the box. Freshman Kasper Piela pounced on a loose ball near the end line and squared a pass in front for Kieffer, who one-timed it home between two Mount defenders.
Bucknell's strong defensive effort kept Nicoll relatively clean. Nicoll dealt with a shoulder injury in his first season with the Bison in 2022 and played only 45 minutes all year. With starter Freddie Lapworth serving his red-card suspension from the final game of last season, Nicoll got the opening-night start and played very well. He made two saves, including a tough kick save from point-blank range late in the first half, and he commanded his box well when Mount St. Mary's did serve a ball in. Mount St. Mary's lone goal came on a well-placed free kick that caromed in off the right post.
Bucknell returns to action on Monday night at West Virginia and then will host Robert Morris in the 2023 home opener on Friday at 7 p.m.
Kieffer earned a starting nod at center back after a strong summer club season and an impressive preseason camp at Bucknell. Not only was he part of a strong opening-night defensive performance that limited the Mountaineers to only nine total shots and no goals from the run of play, but he also scored the team's first goal of the season.
Kieffer came forward in the 22nd minute when the Bison had an opportunity for a long throw into the box. Freshman Kasper Piela pounced on a loose ball near the end line and squared a pass in front for Kieffer, who one-timed it home between two Mount defenders.
Bucknell's strong defensive effort kept Nicoll relatively clean. Nicoll dealt with a shoulder injury in his first season with the Bison in 2022 and played only 45 minutes all year. With starter Freddie Lapworth serving his red-card suspension from the final game of last season, Nicoll got the opening-night start and played very well. He made two saves, including a tough kick save from point-blank range late in the first half, and he commanded his box well when Mount St. Mary's did serve a ball in. Mount St. Mary's lone goal came on a well-placed free kick that caromed in off the right post.
Bucknell returns to action on Monday night at West Virginia and then will host Robert Morris in the 2023 home opener on Friday at 7 p.m.
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