Men’s Soccer Starts League Play with 2-1 Home Win over Navy

Saturday, September 14

Lewisburg, Pa.

1 p.m.

Bucknell University

Navy

Photo by: Lianne Garrahan

Men’s Soccer Starts League Play with 2-1 Home Win over Navy

9/14/2024 4:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Cade Whitmire and Cohen Weaver recorded their first Bucknell goals in the opening 21 minutes, and the Bison men's soccer team survived some nervy moments late in the match in an otherwise dominant 2-1 victory over Navy on Saturday afternoon at Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium.

It was a strong start to Patriot League play for the Bison, who bounced back from last week's home loss to Saint Francis with a crisp performance to improve to 3-2 overall. Whitmire (Tulsa) and Weaver (Penn State) joined the team as transfers this season, and both recorded a goal and an assist as both Bucknell tallies resulted from nice build-up play.

"Scoring those two goals in the first half was huge," said head coach Dave Brandt. "We played extremely well until we made it interesting at the end. We're pleased with the three points, but I hope we can close the next one out better."

Just 12 minutes into the match, Whitmire received a ball with his back to goal, and his turning shot on the half-volley took an immediate deflection off a Navy defender and arched over the head of goalkeeper Pierce Holbrook.

Here's a look at Cade Whitmire's first Bison goal that gave us the early lead. #rayBucknell

Watch: https://t.co/rn558bfMpJ @PatriotLeagueHQ | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/Z9LwoIRPzJ
— Bucknell Men's Soccer (@Bucknell_MSOC) September 14, 2024

Just over eight minutes later, a nice 1-2 between Whitmire and Jack Lucas freed Lucas to deliver a cross into the box from the left side. Weaver one-timed it on the run into the top right corner for a highlight-reel goal and a 2-0 lead.

Another quality build-up on the second goal, with Cohen Weaver opening his Bucknell account and doubling the lead! #rayBucknell

Watch: https://t.co/rn558bfMpJ @PatriotLeagueHQ | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/OAY1id7ip5
— Bucknell Men's Soccer (@Bucknell_MSOC) September 14, 2024

Bucknell had opportunities for more later in the half. Drew Roskos got in behind the Navy back line in the 24th minute, but Holbrook came out for a nice sliding save. In the final minute of the half, Kasper Piela curled a shot from distance just over the bar.

The Bison outshot Navy 9-1 in the first half and 18-9 overall, but the Midshipmen (1-4-2, 0-1 PL) made things interesting with a push in the final 10 minutes. They nearly got on the board in the 85th minute when Andrew Schug rung the crossbar from point-blank range. A follow-up chance was blocked, and then Freddie Lapworth dove on the ball as Rowan Browne put another attempt on goal.

Schug didn't miss two minutes later, as Navy took advantage of a free kick on the end line halfway between the edge of the box and corner flag. Victor Saade's delivery was headed centrally by Jalen Grant, and Schug scored from inside the six to make it 2-1 with 3:20 to go.

The Bison possessed the ball deep in Navy's end for the final 90 seconds, and time expired as a corner kick was awarded by the corner flag.

Lapworth was credited with two saves and Holbrook four in a physical game that saw a combined 31 fouls called.

Bucknell snapped a four-game series losing streak to the Mids dating back to a win in the 2019 Patriot League Tournament.

The Bison will now have a quick turnaround before heading on the road to play a strong Cornell side on Tuesday night.