ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Jason Aoyama (So., Narberth, Pa.) netted a pass from
Jacob Williams (Sr., Millersville, Md.) in the 54th minute that proved to be the game-winning score, leading the Navy men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Bucknell and its second Patriot League Tournament berth in the last three seasons Sunday at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility.
With the win, Navy improves to 11-4-1 with a 5-3-0 record in Patriot League play while Bucknell falls to 4-9-3 overall with a 2-4-2 league record.
The Midshipmen were led on offense by Aoyama who recorded two shots, one being on goal, along with tallying what proved to be the game-winning goal. Williams added his fourth assist of the season along with adding two shot attempts of his own.
Sidney Paris (So., Oakville, Onatrio) placed a game-high four shots, two being on goal, to round out the top-offensive performers for the Mids.
Tyler Fahning (Sr., Victoria, Minn.) earned his league-best ninth shutout of the season after recording one save over 90 clean minutes in goal.
"This was a much-needed result," said head coach
Tim O'Donohue. "Bucknell always makes the game very difficult with their set pieces, long throws and style. Our guys showed character in grinding out the win. We will be ready for our matchup at American on Wednesday."
The first half proved to be a defensive battle for both sides, with the Bison defending each of the five shots by the Midshipmen including goalkeeper Logan Kinajil-Moran picking up a save on a shot by Paris in the 39th minute. Navy matched the effort of the Bucknell back line, turning away five shot attempts highlighted by a Fahning save in the 36th minute to send the contest to halftime scoreless.
Coming out of the break, the defensive stalemate ensued until the Navy attack broke through at the 53:20 mark as Aoyama exchanged a give and go with Williams from 25 yards out before lining a shot into the lower-right hand corner of the goal, giving the Midshipmen a one-score advantage.
The score by Aoyama proved to be the game-winner as Navy stifled the Bison attack the rest of the way, allowing just three shots, to secure a 1-0 home victory and the 12th Patriot League Tournament bid in program history.
The Midshipmen finished with advantages over Bucknell in total shots (12-8), shots on goal (5-1) and corner-kick attempts (7-2).
Bucknell was led on offense by the duo of Eduard Perez-Pelaez and Jameson Railey who tallied two shots apiece. Moran-Kinajil took the loss in goal after yielding the score to Aoyama along with recording three saves over 90 minutes.
In addition to earning a Patriot League Tournament bid on Sunday, the Midshipmen honored their Senior Class and celebrated the careers of Fahning, Williams,
Joe Alex (Sr., Lockport, N.Y.),
Collin Armstrong (Sr., Vestavia, Ala.),
Bayne Bentley (Sr., Austin, Texas),
Tyler Collins (Sr., Crofton, Md.),
Ben Huynh (Sr., Everett, Wash.),
Matt Nocita (Sr., Porter Ranch, Calif.),
Nick Sigman (Sr., Frisco, Texas) and
Ryan Teuschl (Sr., Oakton, Va.).
UP NEXT
Navy is set to conclude its 2021 regular season Wednesday as it travels to Washington, D.C. to take on American in a Patriot League match that will help decide the Midshipmen's seeding in the league tournament. The contest is slated to get underway at 1 p.m.
GAME NOTES
BACK IN THE POSTSEASON: With its win over Bucknell, Navy secured its second postseason berth in the last three seasons and its 12th all-time Patriot League Tournament bid.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: The Midshipmen improved to 8-1-0 at home this season with their 1-0 decision over the Bison. In home matches this year, the Mids having a scoring edge of 19-6 (+13).
STIFLING THE OPPOSITION: Navy improved on its league-best mark in shutouts on Sunday, now standing with nine on the season. The Midshipmen are also limiting opponents to an average of just 0.81-goals per game on 9.7-shots per contest.
HOW IT HAPPENED
GOAL: Navy 1, Bucknell 0;
Jason Aoyama '54 (
Jacob Williams)
