Bucknell 2, Syracuse 1: Second half goals too much in Orange’s first loss

This past Sunday, the Syracuse Orange (3-1-1) had won their third-straight game, bringing their unbeaten streak to four games. Unfortunately, they were unable to continue it into Thursday night’s match against Bucknell (4-0-0).

The Orange began pressuring the Bison from the first whistle onward, taking six of their 11 shots in the first half and keeping senior goalkeeper Jessica Ratner busy. On the other side, Bucknell was only able to muster two shots during the first 45 minutes. The second half was when all the action took place.

Bison forward Kendall Ham received junior forward Maddie Mulford’s pass and sent the ball past junior Syracuse goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan on the left post in the 68th minute. About four minutes later, Bucknell increased their lead to two on a corner kick from sophomore defender Maddie Dano. The Orange would respond in the 73rd minute on a goal by junior forward Eva Gordon.

Syracuse would see a few chances to equalize, including in the 77th minute when a shot by freshman Taylor Bennett just hit off the crossbar. Despite the multiple opportunities, the Orange just couldn’t find the back of the net one more time, their first loss of the season.

Players of the Match

• Forward, Bucknell, Kendall Ham: 2 shots, 2 shots on-goal, 1 goal
• Sophomore, Defender, Bucknell, Maddie Dano: 1 shot, 1 shot on-goal, 1 goal
• Senior, Goalkeeper, Bucknell, Jessica Ratner: 5 saves, 1 goal allowed
• Junior, Forward, Eva Gordon: 1 shot, 1 shot on-goal, 1 goal

Up Next

Last night’s loss was just a mere bump in the road as the ladies travel to Ithaca to face Cornell (1-0-0) this Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm ET.

G’Orange!