Women’s Soccer: Bucknell vs. Navy Preview- Patriot League Semifinal at Nickerson Field

By: Matt Doherty

In the night cap of the Patriot League Semifinals on Friday night at Nickerson Field, the number two seed Bucknell will take on the number three seed Navy with a PL Championship berth on the line.

The Bison of Bucknell come into play following a first round bye. Bucknell finished the regular season at 10-5-3, 6-1-2 PL with their only Patriot League loss of the season coming to BU on Nickerson Field.

First year coach Kelly Kuss has done a remarkable job with the program and recently took home Coach of the Year honors in the league. Last time out, the Bison beat Army 1-0 on their Senior Day.

Just like Boston University, Bucknell has a stout defense that hasn’t allowed a goal in their last five matches. However, the Bison are going up against a Navy offense that is top in the nation

The Naval Academy come into Friday’s semifinal matchup riding a ton of momentum. The Midshipmen easily dispatched six seeded  American 6-0 in their quarterfinal game in Annapolis. Navy set the record for most points in a tournament game with 17. First team All League members Clare MacAdam and Ash Fairow each scored two goals in the rout.

MacAdam leads the potent Naval Academy offensive attack with 12 goals and 28 points, most in the Patriot League. She sets the tone for an offense that leads the league in goals and assists. Navy earned a three seed in the tournament following a 11-6-4 overall record along with a 3-2-4 PL campaign

These two schools met at Bucknell back in early October where they tied 0-0. Bucknell dominated the contest outshooting Navy 32-10. Last year in the tournament Bucknell knocked off Navy to advance the semifinals. A sense of revenge has to be on the minds of the Midshipmen players.

The winner of the primetime showdown will play in the championship game against the winner of BU and Loyola.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and can be seen live on the Patriot League Network.