A dominating first-half performance lifted the American University women's soccer team to a 3-1 victory against Bucknell on Saturday afternoon at Reeves Field. Senior Kelsey Brasher had a goal and an assist, while fellow senior Erin Koch recorded two assists in the victory. This was American's first triumph over the Bison in its last six meetings, with the last win for AU coming in a 3-0 victory at Bucknell on October 25, 2003.

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American (6-6, 1-0) got off to a fast start and converted its first goal 8:06 into the first half. On the play, Koch crossed the ball into the middle to junior Brooke Sheppard, who passed it crisply to the goalscorer Brasher just in front of the net. This was Brasher's team-leading fifth goal of the season.

Shortly after the Eagles took their 1-0 lead, senior Kelly McLaughlin was in perfect position just in front of the goal to make a fantastic save on Bucknell's Christa Matlack's shot.

Sophomore Patricia Bailey scored American's second goal at the 34:24 mark of the first half to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead. Koch fired the ball deep down into the right corner to Brasher, who crossed it to a streaking Bailey in front of the goal. Bailey did the rest, heading it past Bucknell goalkeeper Kathryn Sutton.

Bucknell (5-6-1, 0-1) came out with more energy in the second half, and in the 57th minute, cut the AU lead in half on a Caitlin Holtz penalty shot goal. Less than 10 minutes later, however, Brasher earned a penalty kick for American when she aggressively penetrated into the goalbox. Senior Erin Stebbins converted the penalty shot for her first goal of the season, giving the Eagles a two-goal advantage once again, 3-1.

The American defense was able to hang onto the lead over the final 25-plus minutes, earning the hard-fought conference win. Sophomore Arianna Efstathiou anchored the Eagles defense, recording four saves in goal.

Brasher's first-half goal was the 24th of her career, moving her into fourth place on the program's all-time goals list. She passed current Eagles' assistant coach Anabel Jimenez, who had 23 goals in her career at American.  

"What a great win. I am thrilled for our players who deserved this," commented American Head Coach David Bucciero. "The energy, effort, and concentration was there today from all 28 players. We needed that in order to beat a great team like Bucknell. We will take the next 24 hours to enjoy this one, and then get ready for a tough match against Princeton."

The Eagles will play their final non-conference game of the season on Monday, October 5 when they travel to Princeton, N.J. to face the Tigers. Match time is set for 7 p.m. American will return home on Friday, October 9 for a 4 p.m. Patriot League showdown versus Holy Cross. This match can be watched live on Eagles Vision TV, featuring multiple camera angles, a live scoreboard and analysis from a studio broadcast team and on-field reporters. To sign up for Eagles Vision TV, click here.