ANNAPOLIS, MD. -- The American women's soccer team fell, 2-1, to the Bucknell Bison on Friday in the semifinals of the Patriot League Championship. The Bison scored in the final ten seconds of the game to win the contest.

After an initial Bucknell score by Lindsay Slomer put the Bison up 1-0 in the early minutes of the first half, American senior Diane Wootton (Damascus, Md./Middle Tennessee State), a recent All-Patriot League First Team selection, knocked in her eighth season goal on an assist from classmate Katie Moore (Silver Spring, Md./Good Counsel). Wootton finishes as the Eagles' leading scorer in 2001 with eight goals.

After a hard-fought second half, American remained on the offensive but could not capitalize on several scoring opportunities. Just when it seemed like the Eagles were headed into their seventh overtime game of 2001, Bison midfielder Emily Keber knocked in the Bucknell game-winner on an assist from Tara Utchel with just 10 seconds left in the contest.

American had 12 shots on goal in the contest as compared to 17 by Bucknell. Freshman standout Jen Liese (Rushland, Pa./Council Rock) had another admirable performance in goal and finished with five saves.

American finishes the 2001 season at 7-7-3, 4-3-1 in the Patriot League. Wootton, Moore, Amanda Detterline (Telford, Pa./Souderton) and Liese were each tabbed with All-Patriot League honors this week (Wootton made the All-League First Team while Moore, Detterline and Liese made the All-League Second Team).

Bucknell will face the winner of Friday night's match between No. 1 Navy and No. 4 Lafayette on Sunday, Nov. 11, in the Championship match at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Naval Academy. The winner of the Patriot League Tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament in 2001.