LEWISBURG, Pa. - Boston University (5-3-0) secured a crucial 3-2 road victory over Bucknell (5-2-2) in a back-and-forth Patriot League contest on Saturday afternoon at Emmitt Field. The match featured multiple lead changes and three yellow cards as both teams battled for conference positioning.
The scoring opened early when David Krumov tested the Boston U. defense in the first minute with a shot that sailed wide left. The teams traded goals throughout a frenetic first half, with Zane Domsohn and Jack Lucas both creating dangerous chances for Bucknell in the opening 45 minutes.
The first half saw intense midfield battles with Diego Rived and Giuseppe Bagnato controlling the tempo for Boston U. Bucknell generated more offensive pressure, recording seven shots including two on target from Domsohn. The Terriers' defense, anchored by Aidan Kieffer, weathered several Bucknell attacking waves while maintaining their defensive shape.
The second half intensity increased immediately as Cohen Weaver drew a foul in the 46th minute. Boston U.'s Sebastian Otero received the game's first yellow card in the 70th minute for unsporting behavior, followed by Andrea Di Blasio's caution in the 78th minute. The Terriers' Keke Abai was also shown yellow in the 84th minute for time-wasting as Boston U. protected their lead.
Final statistics reflected the match's competitive nature, with Bucknell outshooting Boston U. 18-8 overall and 11-6 in shots on goal. The Bison also held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks, though they couldn't convert these set-piece opportunities into equalizing goals. Boston U.'s goalkeeper made nine crucial saves to preserve the victory.
Several players delivered standout performances, including Bucknell's Collin Sullivan who recorded multiple shots in the closing minutes trying to find an equalizer. Boston U.'s Diego Rived controlled the midfield despite collecting multiple fouls, while Ethan Gill created several dangerous chances including a blocked shot in the 32nd minute.
The tactical battle shifted throughout the match, with Bucknell making aggressive substitutions around the 65th minute, bringing fresh legs to push for a late equalizer. Boston U. responded by tightening their defensive formation, successfully absorbing pressure while maintaining their dangerous counterattacking threat through Damola Salami and Austin Mobray before both were substituted in the 71st minute.
This victory extends Boston U.'s positive momentum following their recent win over Navy, while Bucknell sees their unbeaten streak end at three matches. The Terriers demonstrated their ability to win tough road games in conference play, an essential quality for their championship aspirations.
The match's closing stages featured intense pressure from Bucknell, with Drew Roskos sending a shot high in the 86th minute and Sullivan testing the keeper in the 89th minute. However, Boston U.'s disciplined defensive effort preserved their one-goal advantage through five minutes of added time.
Both teams return to action on September 30, with Boston U. traveling to Harvard while Bucknell visits Mount St. Mary's. These quick turnarounds will test both squads' depth and recovery capabilities following this intense conference clash.