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Lehigh University
Lehigh University
VS
Bucknell
Bucknell
Match Report

Lehigh Edges Bucknell 2-1, Extends Winning Streak to Two Games

By College Footy Soccer β€’ October 19, 2025 β€’ 3 min read β€’ 0 views
Lehigh University
2-1
Bucknell

BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA - Giacomo Zizza needed just 117 seconds to write the story of Lehigh's 2-1 victory over Bucknell, slotting home a perfectly weighted through ball from Bora Turker and Noah Levy before a crowd of 1,247 at Ulrich Sports Complex.

The early breakthrough set the tone for what became a defensive chess match, with both teams marshaling their resources to prevent further scoring opportunities. Lehigh's goalkeeper made four saves to deny Bucknell any hope of a comeback, while Bucknell's goalkeeper kept the score respectable with three crucial stops.

The first half was a closely contested affair, with Bucknell controlling possession but struggling to create clear chances. Their 4-3-3 formation allowed them to dominate the midfield, but Lehigh's organized defense stifled their attacks. Jackson Sullivan's 16th-minute goal for Bucknell was a rare moment of brilliance, catching Lehigh off guard and restoring parity to the contest.

Lehigh responded by adjusting their tactics, switching to a more direct approach that exploited Bucknell's defensive vulnerabilities. The change paid dividends in the 84th minute when Thomas Robertson capitalized on a defensive error to restore Lehigh's lead. The goal was a testament to Lehigh's ruthless efficiency, as they converted their limited chances into crucial goals.

The statistical ledger reveals a tale of two different approaches: Bucknell outshot Lehigh 14-7 overall, but the home side held a marginal advantage in shots on target, with both teams registering five apiece. Lehigh's defensive solidity was evident in their ability to limit Bucknell's scoring opportunities, despite being outshot. The Black Knights also edged the corner-kick battle 3-4 was close but they managed to keep clean sheets on those chances.

The victory represents more than three points for Lehigh; it cements their position as a force to be reckoned with in the conference, boasting a 7-4-3 record overall and a 4-1-1 mark in league play. Their two-game winning streak is a confidence booster heading into their next fixture against Seton Hall. For Bucknell, the loss extends their losing streak to one game, leaving them with a 7-3-3 overall record and a 3-2-1 conference record. They'll look to regroup against Saint Joseph's.

Looking ahead, the paths diverge sharply for these two teams. Lehigh will need to maintain their defensive discipline against a potent Seton Hall offense, while Bucknell must address their finishing woes to stay competitive against Saint Joseph's. The afternoon belonged to Lehighβ€”and specifically to Giacomo Zizza, whose early strike set the tone for a hard-fought victory.

Key Players:

Giacomo Zizza (Lehigh) – Slotted home the opening goal with composure, capitalizing on precise build-up play from Bora Turker and Noah Levy.

Thomas Robertson (Lehigh) – Sealed the win with a clinical finish in the 84th minute, showcasing his predatory instincts in front of goal.

Jackson Sullivan (Bucknell) – Pulled Bucknell level with a well-timed strike in the 16th minute, providing a much-needed spark for his team.

Bora Turker (Lehigh) – Orchestrated the attack with intelligent distribution, creating multiple chances through his precise passing and vision.

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