MEN'S SOCCER EARNS FIRST WIN OF SEASON, 2-1, OVER BUCKNELL

DURHAM, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire rallied back to earn its first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Bucknell University on Friday night at Bremner Field. Senior forward Chris Banks (Westborough, Mass.) tallied the game-winner when he connected off a penalty kick in the 76th minute.

New Hampshire (1-1-0) evened the score just over 15 minutes into the second half of action when Robin Gerum (Kullavik, Sweden) played the ball up to Banks, who crossed it to Jordan Thomas (Mohnton, Pa.). The freshman forward fired a hard low shot which got past Bison goalkeeper, Tommy Caso, to earn the first goal of his collegiate career.

With the goal, the offensive momentum shifted in favor of the Wildcats as they threatened with a series of three shots just after the 70-minute mark, one of which was on goal. Minutes later the Gerum fired a shot that was once again saved by Caso.

The Wildcats threatened again as Sean Coleman (Stratham, N.H.) played the ball upfield to Banks who passed to Dylan George (Bangor, Maine). George dribbled into the box and was fouled by Caso, resulting in a penalty kick opportunity. Banks put the ball past Caso into the right side of the net.

Bucknell (1-1-0) got on the board first with a tally by Connor O’Brien, who has scored all of the Bison’s three goals this season, with just over a minute remaining in the first half. Set up at the top of the box, O’Brien rifled the ball into the bottom right of the net. Sean King was credited with the assist on the score. O’Brien led the Bison with six shots, including the one on goal. Brendan Burgdorf posted two on net for the Bison.

The Wildcats, led by Banks with four, outshot their opponent 18-10. Thomas posted three shots, including two on net, while Gustav Nilsson (Pixbo, Sweden), Brad Hilton (Merrimack, N.H.) and Josh Bronner (Blechertown, Mass.) also had multiple shots in the game.

Senior keeper Colin O’Donnell (Hampden, Mass.) made two saves in the win, while Caso had six stops in the game.

The Wildcats return to action in the final day of the 20th Annual Nike Fall Classic when they play host to Central Connecticut State on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m. The Blue Devils defeated Vermont in tonight’s first game by a score of 2-1. At noon, Vermont and Bucknell will play in the first match of Sunday’s games.