Bulls Clinch MAC Playoff Berth With 2-0 Win Over Florida Atlantic

Saturday, October 29

7 pm

University at Buffalo

8-7-1, 3-2-0

Florida Atlantic

5-7-2, 0-4-1

Buffalo

FAU

Bulls Clinch MAC Playoff Berth With 2-0 Win Over Florida Atlantic

10/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

BOCA RATON, FL – The University at Buffalo men's soccer team earned a trip to the upcoming Mid-American Conference Tournament with a 2-0 win over Florida Atlantic on Saturday night. The win improved the Bulls to 8-7-1 overall and 3-2 in league play.

UB opened the scoring early in the match as Maksym Kowal scored his fourth goal of the season off a pass from Andy Tiedt at 14:53. Kowal took Tiedt's crossing pass from the right side of the box and put his shot just inside the right post for what would eventually become the game-winning goal.

Tony Smith netted his first goal of the season with a second half marker. Smith took Lukas Fedler's shot from 20 yards out and redirected past FAU goalkeeper Jeremy Crumpton at 51:58.

Sophomore Ryan Aubrey gained his first start in goal since September 25 at Duquesne and earned his first shutout of the season and third of his career. The Bulls' defense did not allow a first half shot to the Owls as FAU (5-7-2, 0-4-1 MAC) did not get a shot off until the 54^th minute. UB finished with a 7-5 edge in shots. Aubrey finished with one save for the Bulls while Crumpton was credit with two saves for the Owls. Florida Atlantic held a 6-4 edge on corner kicks.

"I'm very proud of the boys today. We had a game plan, stuck to it and we are in the playoffs as a result," said interim head coach David Hesch. "We wanted to get on the board early and Andy and Maks did just that. We played great in the back and Ryan Aubrey got his first shutout of the season. T.J. Smith scored a world class upper 90 volley to put the game out of reach."

The Bulls conclude the regular season on Wednesday, November 2 when they host Hartwick at UB Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The Bulls will honor their senior class prior to the march.