The American University men's soccer team defeated Patriot League rival Bucknell, 3-1, on Saturday afternoon in Lewisburg, Pa., in both teams' conference opener. A trio of juniors - Nick Kapus, Mike Worden and David Menzie - scored goals for the Eagles in the victory.

American (4-3, 1-0) got on the scoreboard in the 27th minute with Kapus' first goal of the season. From 20 yards, his shot beat Bucknell goalkeeper Tommy Caso to his left. Junior Daniel Shannon was credited with his team-leading second assist of the campaign.

In the 41st minute, the Eagles added their second goal, as Worden took the ball in from the right end line and put it past Caso. For Worden, it was his second goal in as many games following his game-winner at Virginia Tech on Wednesday.

American continued to apply the pressure in the second 45 minutes, pushing its third goal past the Bison defense in the 82nd minute to take a commanding 3-0 lead. On the play, Menzie connected on his second goal of the season on a tough-angled shot from the right side. Senior Nidhal Charfi earned the assist, recording his first-career point on the play.

Bucknell (5-3, 0-1) added a late goal in the 89th minute on an unassisted conversion by Conor O'Brien, but the Eagles prevailed with a 3-1 road victory.

Sophomore goalkeeper Matt Makowski recorded seven saves in 90 minutes of action for the Eagles.

Bucknell outshot the Eagles in the match, 21-16, while each squad recorded eight shots on goal. Worden fired a team-high three shots on goal, while Kapus had two.  

"Today was a great team performance," commented American Head Coach Todd West. "Mike Worden's play was tremendous. I don't like to single out individuals, but Worden is playing with a lot of confidence. Now we're ready to prepare for James Madison."

American will conclude its three-match roadtrip this Wednesday, September 30 at JMU. Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m. from Harrisonburg, Va. The Eagles will return home next Sunday, October 4 with a Patriot League matchup versus Army at 1 p.m.