Lucas, Hidalgo Score to Send Bison to Patriot League Championship Match After Defeating American 2-1 in Semifinal

Tuesday, November 10

Washington, D.C.

12 p.m.

Bucknell University

10-8-1, 5-3-1

American (PL Semifinals)

6-7-5, 6-1-2

Team	1	2	Final F
Bucknell	1	1	2
American	0	1	1

11/10/2026 2:40:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Jack Lucas' 53rd minute goal stood as the match-winner as the Bucknell men's soccer team defeated American 2-1 to advance to the Patriot League Championship match.

Bucknell will wait for tonight's result from Boston U. and Lehigh in the other semifinal match. If Boston U. wins, the Bison will travel to Boston. The Bison would host the championship if Lehigh wins the match. The Terriers and Mountain Hawks kick off at 6 p.m. tonight.

This will be Bucknell's seventh time playing in the Patriot League Championship match and the second time in three years after Bucknell won the title in 2024. The Bison are 5-1 all-time in Patriot League Championship matches.

"It's been a really hard season with injuries and a lot of things going around," said head coach Dave Brandt. "The team is in a good spot and there's been really good senior leadership. We have a great mentality to hang in there for the whole group."

Lucas' goal doubled the Bison lead 2-0 just eight minutes into the second half after Kiko Hidalgo converted a penalty for his first career goal late in the first half.

American would go on to halve the deficit in the 69th minute of action through Chris Sullivan, but the Bison stood strong defensively to see the match out. American threatened in the attacking third, but the Eagles did not register another shot on target.

Bucknell played without First Team All-Patriot League selection, Drew Roskos, who was injured in the regular season finale. Roskos is tied for a team-high five goals this season.

"I think it's sort of been what's gone on all season for us," said Brandt. "Dealing with injuries have been the norm for us this season and it's a next-man-up mentality and we do the best we can."

American's goal was the only shot on target as Thomas Yerbury did not make any saves. The Bison out-shot the Eagles 8-6 and 4-1 on target.

Bucknell did well in possession in the first half and out-shot American 6-1. Krumov had an early shot sail just over the bar, but the Bison did not trouble goalkeeper Evan Tubbs until the penalty. Tubbs came out of his goal on a bouncing ball but mistimed the challenge taking Chayse Snyder to ground. Hidalgo buried the penalty with normal spot-taker Jack Lucas on the bench.

Bucknell saw out the half, and opened the second 45 minutes strong as Lucas gave the Bison a 2-0 lead. Lucas did well to win the ball back defensively and quickly received it back on the wing. He cut in towards the center with a big touch and fired a low shot into the bottom of the near post for his fifth goal of the season.

Sullivan's goal came on a good passing sequence by the Eagles. Sullivan got through the back line on a bouncing ball and his touch just beat Yerbury over the top to cut the lead to 2-1.

Bucknell saw out the final 21 minutes of action as American did not register another shot on target.

"I've challenged the seniors to not be complacent after winning in 2024," said Brandt. "Win or lose on Saturday, the have all responded well to the challenge and the circumstances."

Bucknell will play in the Patriot League Championship match on Saturday pending the result of Lehigh at Boston U. at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.