Nov. 15, 2009

Center Valley, Pa.—Bucknell recorded a 1-0 victory over American on Sunday to win the 2009 Patriot League Men’s Soccer Championship. It is the second Patriot League men’s soccer title for the Bison. Bucknell defeated American in 2006 for its only previous Patriot League men’s soccer crown.

A pair of freshmen helped Bucknell score in the 15th minute. Brendan Burgdorf headed in CK Kumah’s corner kick, a goal which held up as the only tally of the contest. The Bucknell defense took over for the remainder of the game, allowing just three shots on goal.

Senior defender Patrick Selwood, who anchored a Bison defense that allowed no goals and five shots on goal in over 185 minutes of action in the tournament, was named Patriot League Tournament MVP. He was joined on the 11-member All-Tournament Team by Bison teammates Ross Liberati, Conor O’Brien and Burgdorf.

Bucknell sophomore goalkeeper Tommy Caso improved to 14-5 with the victory. Caso made two saves while notching his ninth shutout of the season. American sophomore goalkeeper Matt Makowski made four saves while allowing just one goal. Makowski dropped to 9-7-2 on the season.

Emotions ran high during the championship tilt, as five yellow cards and one red card were issued. Bucknell committed 14 fouls, while American was whistled for 13. The Bison held a 16-14 edge over the Eagles in shots, including a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal.

With the win, Bucknell improved to 16-5-0 and earned the Patriot League’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. American dropped to 9-7-3 with the loss and must now await word of a possible at-large berth. The NCAA selection show will be Monday at 5:30 p.m. The NCAA Tournament will begin Thursday, Nov. 19.

2009 Patriot League Men’s Soccer Tournament

Friday, November 13

Semifinals

No. 1 Bucknell 1, No. 4 Lafayette 0

No. 3 American 0, No. 2 Lehigh 0 (6-5 PK)

Championship

No. 1 Bucknell, No. 3 American 0

2009 Patriot League Men’s Soccer All-Tournament Team

Patrick Selwood, Bucknell, Sr., D (Tournament MVP)
Ross Liberati, Bucknell, Jr., D
Conor O'Brien, Bucknell, Sr., F
Brendan Burgdorf, Bucknell, Fr., F
Cameron Petty, American, Sr., M
Cooper Bryant, American, Sr., D
Colin Zizzi, American, Sr., M

Nick Leigh, Sr., D, Lafayette

Philip Nelson, Sr., GK, Lafayette

Adam Welch, Sr., D, Lehigh

Jesse Schram, Sr., M, Lehigh