Men's Soccer Weekly Release

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Late Goal Lifts Bulls Past Bison

Dezi Lara

The University at Buffalo men's soccer team kicked off its 2008 season in thrilling fashion as the Bulls used a late goal to slip past Bucknell University, 2-1, in the season opener for both squads. Senior forward Dominic Oppong (Scarborough, Ontario/Cardinal Newman) netted the game winner with 3:13 remaining in the match to give the Bulls their fourth season-opening win in the last five campaigns. Senior Dezi Lara (Fyzabad, Trinidad & Tobago/Naparima) redirected a header from Steffen Thoresen (Trondheim, Norway/Kristen Vidergaaende Tronderlag) in the 25th minute for UB’s opening goal. UB goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth (Tonawanda, NY/Nichols) stopped five shots en route to his first victory of the season.

Hot in Openers

UB’s victory over Bucknell on Friday night gave the Bulls their fourth season-opening win in the past five seasons. The only blemish to the streak was last season’s opening loss to Fairfield in the first round of the St. John’s Tournament. The Bulls have also won five of six of their past home openers with the lone loss in the span coming against Detroit, 1-0, in 2006. Detroit is UB’s second-round opponent in the upcoming Bulls Classic.

Welcome Newcomers

The Bulls used a veteran lineup in Friday night’s contest with all 11 starters holdovers from last season’s squad. The Bulls did use a pair of freshmen newcomers off the bench as Rich Wilson (Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica/Munro College) and Lucas Bassan (Carrollton, TX/Hebron) got their first tastes of collegiate action. Wilson had two of UB’s 16 shots taken against the Bison.

Catchpole Back in the Lineup

Lee Catchpole

Senior Lee Catchpole (Norwich, England/Bungay) rejoined the UB starting lineup after missing the entire 2007 campaign due to an injury. Catchpole had a shot against Bucknell and is currently ninth on UB’s all-time scoring chart with 17 goals. Darren Boecher (1990-93) and Steve DiClemente (1989-92) are within striking distance of Catchpole with 18 and 19 goals, respectively. Catchpole is also tied for 10th on the all-time points list with Boecher at 44.

Bulls Classic On Tap for Weekend

Following a non-conference matchup at Siena on Tuesday afternoon, the Bulls return home to host the Bulls Classic on Friday and Sunday. UB will face Wright State in the nightcap of Friday’s action at 7:00 pm while Canisius takes on Detroit in the opener at 5:00 pm. On Sunday, the Bulls take on Detroit at 2:00 pm with Canisius meeting Wright State at noon. Wright State is 0-2 following an overtime loss to Wisconsin and 1-0 defeat by Dayton at the Courtyard Marriott Classic in Dayton. Canisius (0-2) fell to Bucknell, 5-4, in their last contest. Detroit (0-2) was shut out by Evansville and Kentucky at last weekend’s Kentucky Classic.