University at Buffalo
8-7-2, 3-2-1 mac
Hartwick
5-5-5, 1-1-3MAC
Bulls, Hawks Play to 1-1 Tie on Senior Night
11/2/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo men's soccer team wrapped up the 2011 regular season on Wednesday night with a 1-1 tie against Hartwick in Mid-American Conference play at UB Stadium. The Bulls finish the regular season with an 8-7-2 overall mark and a 3-2-1 record in league play.
Both goals were scored in the first half before the teams settled down to a defensive battle. Hartwick opened the scoring at 34:19 when Greg Mathers, the MAC's current Player of the Week after his four-goal outburst against Western Michigan, connected on a free kick from the right wing 25 yards from the net. It was Mather's seventh goal of the season.
The Bulls responded late in the first half as Jesse Andoh scored his first goal of the season as he stuffed the ball past Hartwick goalkeeper Tom Buckner at 41:44. Matthew Chereson's throw in was batted around at the goal mouth with Andoh able to gain control and earn the tying marker.
Neither team was able to break through for the remainder of the match. The Hawks (5-5-5, 1-1-3 MAC) had two shots at the goal in the first overtime with shots by Mathers and Chris Walter sailing high. UB had a pair of shots in the second overtime with Nate Woods' shot going wide and Buckner stopping an attempt by Maksym Kowal.
Ryan Aubrey got his second consecutive start in goal and stopped four Hartwick shots. Buckner was credited for three saves for the Hawks. Hartwick outshot the Bulls, 17-12, including a 10-5 edge in the first half. Hartwick also collected eight corner kicks to UB's two. The Bulls were whistled for 22 fouls and the Hawks flagged 21 times with seven yellow cards issued on the evening, four to UB and three to Hartwick.
"We pressed them all game, we've been battling all season long," said interim head coach David Hesch. "We're going to start working for the playoffs."
The Bulls are assured a spot in the upcoming MAC Tournament in Akron, OH, November 11 and 13. UB will await the outcome of Saturday's match at Hartwick between the Hawks and Northern Illinois which will determine the final seedings. A Northern Illinois loss or tie would assure the Bulls of the number two seed.
Prior to the match, the Bulls honored Jordan Brouk, Woods and Andy Tiedt as outgoing members of the senior class.
Team Stats
MATHERS, Greg (7)
off free kick 25 yards from right wing
32:57
ANDOH, Jesse (1)
Assisted By: CHERESON, Matthew
in front following throw in
41:44
