Jesse Klug ’16 has received the gamut of awards for his outstanding soccer career as a Bison in the last three years, ranging from All-Patriot League selections, tournament recognitions, and earning a spot on the top 10 career goals list. The 6’0 Seattle native is aiming to expand his list of credentials this fall in order to defend his team’s spot as the reigning Patriot League Champions. His incredible performances so far in his last season for the Orange and Blue are setting him and the rest of the Bison squad on the right track towards success.

“I think the team knows that we have a special group of guys this year and we want to make it a special season to reflect that,” Klug said.

Klug earned the Jim Lennox Offensive Most Valuable Player of the Mayor’s Cup on Sept. 6 after two stand-out performances that helped crown the Bison as the tournament champions with games against Hartwick and Northern Kentucky. He scored a pivotal goal in each match. Against Hartwick, Klug provided the tying goal with 4:50 left in the match to conclude the game at 2-2 after double overtime. Two days later, his goal against Northern Kentucky launched the Bison over the Norsemen in overtime, putting them up 1-0 in a golden goal victory.

Klug is notorious for capitalizing on key moments in the games, making him such a memorable player for the Orange and Blue.

“I know that games are won and lost on single plays, so we have to defend well every time and take advantage of our chances,” Klug said.

With 26 goals now under his belt, Klug is tied for the No. 9 spot on the University’s career list and the No. 10 spot on the Patriot League’s all-time goals list. He was named to the 2015 preseason All-Patriot League team after leading the team and ranking second in the Patriot League with 27 points and 11 goals last season. He has earned multiple recognitions on All-Patriot League teams throughout his three years, developing his reputation as one of the league’s biggest offensive threats ever since his impressive rookie season in 2012.

As the season continues into league play, Klug will look to make his biggest impact yet.

“Patriot league games have a certain energy that non-league games don’t. With this team, we have a lot of experience so we know the effort it takes to get a good result. We just try to play our game and trust ourselves and our teammates that we can be successful,” Klug said.

The Bison boast a strong senior class that is looking to boost the team’s current record from 2-1-1 in its next home match-ups against Saint Francis and Seton Hall on Sept. 11 and 13. It is on Sept. 27 when the Orange and Blue will trek up to the turf of the Boston Terriers and truly be tested. Klug hopes that he will rise to the occasion and successfully bring the Championship trophy home to Lewisburg once again. 

Bison Profile:

Position: Forward

Height: 6’0

Weight: 180 pounds

Year: Senior

Hometown: Sammamish, Wash.

High School: Overlake School

Stats:

2012:

– Patriot League Rookie of the Week

– Three goals, four assists

2013:

– Back-to-back Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week

– First Team All-Patriot League 

– First Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region 

– 10 goals, three assists

2014:

– Preseason All-Patriot League selection

– Recorded 27 points and 11 goals

– Second Team All-Patriot League

– Second Team All Mid-Atlantic Region

– Capital One Academic All-America honors

– NSCAA Scholar All-America honors