BOYDS, Md. – The American University men's soccer team will celebrate Doug Dugan Day and Family Weekend on Saturday as the Bucknell Bison come to the Maryland SoccerPlex for a 7:00 p.m. start.
DOUG DUGAN EXCELLENCE AWARD
- The American University athletic department is honored to once again present the Doug Dugan Excellence Award to a men's soccer player in honor of Dugan, a beloved husband, father, and friend, who passed away in 2016. Doug's family, former teammates and classmates remember him as a high-quality player, dedicated teammate and fun-loving individual who remained selfless and ever upbeat as he battled a debilitating disease his entire adult life. The award is given yearly to a men's soccer player who embodies the attitudes and attributes of leadership and excellence, characteristics for which Doug is fondly remembered – on and off the pitch. This memorial aims to capture Doug's spirit and preserve it as a perpetual example for every Eagles soccer player in the future.
QUICK INFO
When: Saturday, September 28; 7:00 p.m.
Where: Boyds, Md. (Maryland SoccerPlex)
How to watch: ESPN+
INSIDE THE SERIES
- American leads the all-time series 17-8, with four ties.
- The Eagles have won two of the last five matches, with two ties.
- Last year's matchup saw the teams tie 3-3, as Bucknell scored in the final seven minutes to level the match.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT AMERICAN
- American is coming off a 1-1 tie at Colgate that saw the Eagles strike first in the first half, a spectacular goal from junior Troy Elgersma from outside the box.
- Earlier in the week, the Eagles had beaten UMBC in a thrilling 4-3 contest, led by two goals from senior Mustapha Sowe.
- For their efforts in the week, Elgersma and Sowe, as well as senior defender Nicholas Shirley, were named Patriot League Men's Soccer Players of the Week.
- American has earned six Patriot League Player of the Week honors so far this season: junior goalkeeper Matthew Tibbetts (twice), graduate student Cooper Nunn, Elgersma, Shirley, and Sowe.
- Tibbetts currently leads the Patriot League with three clean sheets on the season, and he also leads the PL with 4.5 saves per game.
- Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Ethan Boyle currently ranks third in the league with eight shots on goal.
- Elgersma ranks fifth in the League with .75 points per game (two goals, two assists in eight games).
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BUCKNELL
- Bucknell enters the game after a 0-0 tie against Holy Cross, in which goalkeeper Freddie Lapworth made six saves for the Bison.
- Bucknell defeated Navy, 2-1, in its Patriot League opener on Sept. 14. The Bison goalscorers in the contest were Cade Whitmire and Cohen Weaver.
- Bucknell has scored six goals this season, all scored by different players. Jack Lucas leads the team and ranks second in the Patriot League with three assists.
- Lapworth leads the Patriot League with three clean sheets this season, ranking third in the League by allowing just 1.143 goals per game.
- Head coach Dave Brandt is in his third season at the helm of the program. As head coach at Navy, his 2013 squad produced the only perfect season in Patriot League history, going 9-0 against Patriot League competition and winning the Patriot League Tournament. He went on to lead Navy to its first NCAA victory since 1972.
CONCESSIONS: FOOD TRUCK AT SATURDAY'S GAME
- The Money Muscle BBQ food truck of Silver Spring will be on site at Saturday's match-up vs. Bucknell, parked at the main entry gate to the soccerplex. Fans can enjoy delicious barbecue favorites, tasty sides and cold beverages while supplies last!
KEEP UP WITH US
- For the latest on American University Men's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MSoccer) and Instagram (@au.msoccer).
