The UB men's soccer team played their final home game of the season Friday night, falling 1-0 to Canisius College, but won 2-1 over Bucknell Sunday in the first leg of a three-game road trip. The split keeps their record even at 6-6-1 (1-3-0 MAC).
An unassisted Canisius goal scored by Ryan Dummett just over 20 minutes into the game proved to be the deciding factor in the Bulls' fifth shut-out this season. They were handed their sixth loss of the year in non-conference play. Canisius improved their record to 5-8-1.
Dummett's goal, the first of his collegiate career, had just enough air to get past Bulls goalkeeper Brian Wozniak and into the net's left corner.
Strong goaltending was a major contributor to Canisius' victory. Canisius keeper David Borchard earned six saves. Wozniak was credited with two saves.
"We do have to give the goalie some credit; he had a good save. The other shot, we basically hit him in his legs - in soccer you don't try to hit the goalie."
Astudillo explained his team's loss as the product of desperation.
"I don't think we play as well when we're behind. We begin to play a bit desperate. Soccer can be a frustrating sport when you're trying to come back."
The Bulls finally broke out of their offensive slump when Dave Pidgeon's penalty shot three minutes into the second half propelled the Bulls to a 2-1 victory over Bucknell University. With the win, the Bulls improved their record to 6-6-1 overall while Bucknell fell to 4-8-0.
Bucknell opened the scoring 18:26 into the game on a header off an indirect kick from 25 yards out. The Bulls quickly retaliated when freshman Justin Higgins scored his second goal of the season on his own rebound at the 30-minute mark.
Buffalo took the advantage for good three minutes into the second half on a foul by Bucknell goalkeeper Steve Whitaker that resulted in a Buffalo penalty shot. Pidgeon took the shot and put the ball just out of Whitaker's reach to give the Bulls a lead they never relinquished.
Bucknell outshot Buffalo 22-14, holding a 15-5 advantage in the second half.
"We were playing totally in a somnambulistic mode in the second half," said Astudillo, "The entire team seemed to be asleep."
He added, "I thought Bucknell had the better offense in the second half."
Keeping Bucknell in check was sophomore Chris Vavrina, who earned his first victory of the season by stopping six shots on goal.
"Vavrina played excellent. He had at least five point blank shots. ... He single-handedly held off Bucknell until we had the opportunity to win, " said Astudillo.
Vavrina played the entire second half after replacing junior Brian Wozniak, who made two saves.
When asked why he chose to take Wozniak out of the game, Astudillo said he wanted to keep Wozniak healthy for the upcoming divisional games, and also wanted to give Vavrina playing time.
"What better opportunity to get him some time, than a non-conference game? It's a risk you sometimes have to take. Some times you end up looking like a turkey; other times you look brilliant."
The Bulls have alternated between wins and losses during their last five games.
"It has been sort of a see-saw experience," said Astudillo. "On paper, this team looks a bit thin on talent, and sometimes it shows. Other times, we look like overachievers. Characteristically, this is an overachieving team."
The Bulls will close out their season on the road when they travel to Western Michigan University Sunday, Oct. 28; Northern Illinois University Tuesday, Oct. 30; and St. Francis College Sunday, Nov 4.
"What we do this coming weekend will decide what kind of a team we really are," said Astudillo. "This weekend has to be watch your back, defend like hell and score."
