Men’s soccer secures playoff spot on Senior Day
November 2, 2017
Two overtime periods were not enough to settle the men’s soccer Oct. 28 Senior Day match against Boston University. The game ended in a 0-0 tie, but the result clinched the Bison a playoff spot. The Orange and Blue move to 4-3-1 in the Patriot League. With 13 points, they are fourth in the conference, behind Lehigh, who the Bison edged 2-1 in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 25. This is the team’s sixth consecutive appearance in the Patriot League Tournament.
Prior to the game, seniors Dan Bank ’18, Ben Derleth ’18, and Jack Zollicoffer ’18 were honored for Senior Day.
“Senior Day was a very bittersweet experience for me. The day reminded me that my days in the Bucknell jersey are limited, but I enjoyed being honored for what I have accomplished here,” Bank said.
The Bison are playing extremely well down the late stretch of the season. The defense has stepped up and performed effectively in high stress situations, as the Bison haven’t let in more than two goals in a game since late September. They continued their hot defensive streak by preventing the Terriers attack from scoring.
In his third start of the season, Emmett Witmer ’20 had two saves, including one crucial save late in the second overtime, leading the Bison to their sixth shutout of the season. Defender Tyler Peterson ’19 assisted in the first half with a clear off the goal line. Witmer was selected Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week for his efforts.
“We had an outstanding defensive effort versus one of the best teams in the Patriot League. We had several key absences, and we had guys step up to the occasion to get a crucial point,” Banks said.
The Bison end their regular season on Nov. 4 in Annapolis, Md. against Navy. With a win, the Bison would have the chance to host a home quarterfinal in the Patriot League Tournament.
“We are determined to get three points on the road and have the possibility of hosting a playoff game,” Banks said. “That has not been done before in my four years here, and it would be a significant advantage based on how we play at Emmitt Field.”
