By: Alex Alba

AU Men’s soccer began their Patriot League season with a win over their conference rival Bucknell 3-1 this past Saturday. With its second consecutive victory, AU brought their overall record to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in the division.

The team’s first half performance showed they were not intimidated, even though they were the away team. Sophomore Nick Capus kicked a long-range shot from 20 yards past Bison goalkeeper, Tommy Caso, midway through the first half to put the Eagles on the scoreboard first with junior Daniel Shannon on the assist.

As the half was ending, Junior Mike Worden brought the ball into the goal-box from the right side of the baseline area and was able to put the ball past Caso to give AU a 2-0 lead entering into the half.

“We made a lot of changes along the way preparing for this game,” AU head coach Todd West said after the game.

The Eagles didn’t get comfortable in the second half, as they displayed tough defense, which sustained their lead. In the 82nd minute, AU junior David Menzie struck a difficult angled-shot from mid-range into the Bison’s net. The goal was set up by senior Nidhal Charfi, and increased the Eagle’s lead to 3-0.

The Bison’s Conor O’Brien managed to slip a free kick shot past AU goalkeeper Matt Makowski as time was winding down. Despite a late error by the 2008 Patriot League Rookie of the Year, Makowski withstood the whole game with seven saves. The Eagles were outshot 21-16, but ultimately came out with the win.

“We tried a lot of guys in different places to get success,” West said after the game. “I am thrilled with the way we played [...] I am really happy with the group we have put together.”

The Eagles will finish off their three-game road trip at James Madison University Wednesday in Harrisburg, VA. With a two-game winning streak, on the line the team will look to improve to 5-3.