UB's men's soccer team invaded the campus of the United States Military Academy at West Point this past weekend for the Army Classic. The Bulls took on the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen on Friday and Sunday respectively.
Buffalo lead off the tournament with its third consecutive tie, but fell in heartbreaking fashion in their second game of the weekend
In the opening game, Army (2-2-2) didn't waste a lot of time to welcome the Bulls to their beautiful campus by the Hudson River. Defenseman Todd Severson opened up the scoring, in only the eighth minute of regulation, after receiving a pass from fellow defenseman Dan Quinn.
UB was resilient, however, and quickly countered with a goal. Freshman Andrae Clarke continued his stellar play for the Bulls, again providing Buffalo head coach John Astudillo with an offensive spark. Midway through the first half, midfielder Mirnes Biscevic sent a corner kick that found a waiting Clarke. Clarke found the back of the net for his team-leading third goal of the season.
After another scoreless half of play, the Bulls entered their third consecutive overtime battle. Both teams walked away empty in the two overtime periods, as the defenses of the Bulls and Black Knights refused to give.
Goaltender Brandon Foley also played well in goal as he recorded five saves, remaining unbeaten this season since replacing injured Daniel Bell.
"Brandon continues to come up big for us in the big spot," Astudillo said of the freshman goalie.
Trying to build on the previous three games, UB faced Army's military rival, the Navy Midshipmen (2-5). The Bulls played well but a late mishap handed Brandon Foley his first loss of his career and dropped Buffalo's record to 1-4-3 on the season.
As the game wound down toward eight minutes, it appeared the Bulls would be forced to overtime for the fourth straight time. At the eight-minute mark, however, UB committed a game-deciding mistake. A Bulls defenseman attempted to pass the ball back to Foley when the ball bounced over the goalkeeper's head, crossing the goal line for what turned out to be the heartbreaking game winner for Navy.
Astudillo felt the play was not a bad play by the Bulls, but a bad break.
"The play was called for," said Astudillo "Pressure was being applied and he did the right thing by making the play back to the goaltender. It just bounced over his head."
The game was a defensive struggle throughout. Despite the loss, Astudillo is pleased with the way his team is coming together and battling hard.
"I am frustrated we are not getting the wins, but I have to be happy with the way we are playing," said Astudillo. "I have to feel encouraged, especially with the way our defense is tightening up."
The loss was Foley's first of his career and broke the Bulls' three game unbeaten streak.
Buffalo looks to bounce back when they take the field Friday against Siena at 7 p.m. at RAC field. The Bulls also open up their MAC schedule this Sunday versus nationally ranked Akron. Akron is coming off big wins over previously ranked No. 1 Indiana and a tie against perennial powerhouse Notre Dame. This game will take place at 3 p.m. at RAC field.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
