WASHINGTON — The American University men's soccer team scored three goals in a 12-minute span to defeat Bucknell, 3-0, on District Day at Reeves Field. 

"We fell into Bucknell's game plan for the first 45 minutes, but to respond with three goals in a Patriot League game is difficult," said head coach Todd West. "We challenged our team at the break and it showed." 

American improves to 10-4-2 on the season and 3-2-1 in the Patriot League. Bucknell dips to 5-6-4 overall and 1-3-2 in the league. The Eagles now have 10 points in the PL standings with a pivotal match against preseason league favorite Navy on Wednesday afternoon at Reeves Field. Navy hosts Colgate tonight with second place on the line for the Midshipmen. 

"Navy is a big game. We will watch them tonight and prepare for them," said West. 

Three different players contributed on the score sheet for AU with sophomore Joel Hart giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute on a goal from five yards away. Hart tapped the ball in past Bucknell keeper Clarke Fox as he was sprawling to the line. 

Ten minutes later, junior Dale Ludwig penetrated into the Bucknell zone when he was taken down and classmate Nick Sifrin regained the ball and one-touched it through Fox. 

"Sifrin has been getting good touches, but I think this one will get his confidence back," said West. 

After the goal, AU pushed its attack once again into the visitor's end where a foul was called just outside the box.  Senior Liam Robley answered with his trademark free kick strike and booted a beautiful ball to the far post and AU took a 3-0 lead in the 76th minute. 

After the third goal, Mike Lansing took over for Bucknell. The Bucknell keepers combined for 11 saves while on the other side, reigning Corvias PL Keeper of the Week Dylan Hobert had minimal work for his fifth straight clean sheet. The shutout streak is now at 563 minutes.  For his career, Hobert has 16 shutouts with half of them coming as a senior. 

"Dylan gets a lot of credit, but I think our back four have done a great job aiding him," said West. 

American finished the contest with 21 shots and six corner kicks. The Eagles peppered Bucknell in the second half with a 12-1 edge in shots. 

After Navy on Wednesday, American will head to Holy Cross on Sunday, Nov. 1, and then host Lehigh the following Saturday, Nov. 7.