ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A late goal from senior David Jackson helped the Navy men's soccer team (4-4-1, 1-0-1 PL) come away with its first Patriot League win of the season, securing a 1-0 shutout victory over Bucknell (1-6-1, 0-2-0 PL) on Sunday afternoon at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility.
 
The win also extends the Midshipmen's undefeated streak to three games, as junior goalkeeper Pierce Holbrook registered his second-consecutive clean sheet.
 
Navy came out of the gates ready, as an early corner kick 30 seconds in was followed by a great chance for sophomore Andrew Schug in front in the second minute but the striker put it high. Bucknell countered with some chances of its own, but another chance for Schug came in the 10th minute that forced Freddie Lapworth to smother the shot. Navy nearly took the lead in the 38th minute when freshman Victor Saade headed a corner kick, but the ball went wide of the cage.
 
Bucknell pushed back to start the second half, as Holbrook had to stretch out in the 50th minute to stop a Charlie Holmes shot going for the top-left corner, while the Navy keeper made another big save shortly after in the 52nd minute on Marco Valentic. Navy fought to take momentum back, with another Saade header going just over the woodwork in the 62nd minute, but the two sides continued to trade chances until the final five minutes.
 
The Mids finally capitalized in the 87th minute when Bucknell cleared a corner kick to senior Jason Aoyama, who crossed the ball to Jackson just outside the right corner of the penalty box. Jackson then volleyed a shot towards the far post that got past Lapworth as Schug and sophomore Bryce Robisch came crashing towards the net. Navy's defense then held on, allowing just one Bucknell shot in the final three minutes to secure the victory.
 
Holbrook wrapped up his shutout with three saves, while Lapworth recorded one save on his end.
 
Coach Tim O'Donohue Comments
"It was a really big win. We had some clear chances to score early and did not finish them, which can be a problem, but we persevered and defended well to get the momentum back eventually. David came up with a big play once again and the same goes for Pierce, while our captain, Zach Wagner, was excellent in the middle of the field today. Bucknell's Dave Brandt is a very good coach and they are a much better team than their record indicates. They will be a major threat in league play the rest of the season."
 
Match Notes
• Navy now leads the all-time series with Bucknell at 31-15-4, winning its last four contests against the Bison.
• Navy has not lost a Patriot League home opener since 2018, going 4-0-1 in that span.
• Jackson now has three goals in four career games against Bucknell.
• Jackson is now tied for the league lead with 14 points on the year.
• Holbrook recorded three-or-more saves for the fifth time this season.
• Robisch made his second collegiate start on Sunday, while freshman Nate Stewart made his third start of the season.
 
Up Next
Navy continues Patriot League play action at American on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Match time is set for 3 p.m. from Reeves Field.