2008 Woodie Awards
RSSHawks look to trample Bison
By Katelyn Zabel
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Sports
The men's soccer team travels to Bucknell University tonight to take on the Bison.
Bucknell is one point higher than Lehigh in the Patriot League standings and both teams are fighting for a spot in the playoffs.
The Mountain Hawks are back on the road after defeating Army 2-0 at the Ulrich Sports Complex Saturday. Bucknell beat Army 1-0 earlier in the season and are coming off a 2-1 loss to Lafayette College.
The win was a necessity for Lehigh, but the Hawks know the Bison will be a much tougher opponent.
"Bucknell will be a lot better technically," sophomore midfielder Jesse Schram said.
The Hawks head into the game in their new 4-5-1 formation. Although they've only had one game in the new formation, practices have been going well.
"Using this formation, I think we played one our best games this season," Schram said.
Head Coach Dean Koski said that by having an extra player in the midfield, the Hawks will be able to play to Bucknell's strong midfield.
Lehigh moved junior Jimmy Taranto from forward to center midfield. Point leader, sophomore Kyle Evans is now the lone forward.
"Their strengths are their midfield and their goalkeeper," Koski said.
Unlike the Hawks, who get most of their scoring from upfront, Bucknell's leading scorers are midfielders. Sophomore Conor O'Brien and senior Justin Wolf both have four goals and three assists in the season.
Stopping Bucknell's offensive weapons is always the defense-oriented Hawks' goal.
"Our coach is really passionate about a good strong defense," sophomore midfielder Adam Welch said.
Last time the Hawks and Bisons met was in the Patriot League tournament last year. After going 7-0 in the Patriot League, Lehigh fell to the Bison in penalty kicks.
"We all expect it's going to be a good game," Taranto said. "Both teams are ready to play, and we're going to be playing on national television, so everyone will be all pumped."
Bucknell is one point higher than Lehigh in the Patriot League standings and both teams are fighting for a spot in the playoffs.
The Mountain Hawks are back on the road after defeating Army 2-0 at the Ulrich Sports Complex Saturday. Bucknell beat Army 1-0 earlier in the season and are coming off a 2-1 loss to Lafayette College.
The win was a necessity for Lehigh, but the Hawks know the Bison will be a much tougher opponent.
"Bucknell will be a lot better technically," sophomore midfielder Jesse Schram said.
The Hawks head into the game in their new 4-5-1 formation. Although they've only had one game in the new formation, practices have been going well.
"Using this formation, I think we played one our best games this season," Schram said.
Head Coach Dean Koski said that by having an extra player in the midfield, the Hawks will be able to play to Bucknell's strong midfield.
Lehigh moved junior Jimmy Taranto from forward to center midfield. Point leader, sophomore Kyle Evans is now the lone forward.
"Their strengths are their midfield and their goalkeeper," Koski said.
Unlike the Hawks, who get most of their scoring from upfront, Bucknell's leading scorers are midfielders. Sophomore Conor O'Brien and senior Justin Wolf both have four goals and three assists in the season.
Stopping Bucknell's offensive weapons is always the defense-oriented Hawks' goal.
"Our coach is really passionate about a good strong defense," sophomore midfielder Adam Welch said.
Last time the Hawks and Bisons met was in the Patriot League tournament last year. After going 7-0 in the Patriot League, Lehigh fell to the Bison in penalty kicks.
"We all expect it's going to be a good game," Taranto said. "Both teams are ready to play, and we're going to be playing on national television, so everyone will be all pumped."
