Men's soccer weekly release
Bulls Open Season Against Tough Big Ten Foes
The University at Buffalo's men's soccer season began over the weekend with a pair of losses to two strong 2009 NCAA Tournament participants and Big Ten foes at the Bert and Iris Wolstein Classic in Columbus, OH. UB fell to Penn State, 5-0, in the tournament opener then regrouped to hold 18th-ranked Ohio State to just two penalty kick goals in a 2-0 decision in the finale.
Pair Named to All-Tournament Team
Following the conclusion of play at the Bert and Iris Wolstein Classic, two Bulls were honored as members of the all-tournament team. Defender Kieron Gradwell and midfielder Jordan Brouk were cited for their stellar play in the pair of weekend matches.
Astudillo Comments on Tournament
Head coach John Astudillo stated after the tournament about the team that "UB played three out of four quarters in the OSU Tournament very competently. The second half of the Penn State match showed that this team needs to progress a bit quicker."
Canisius, Home Opener Highlight Upcoming Week
The Bulls have a pair of matches on the slate for the upcoming week. UB travels to local rival Canisius for a 4:00 pm contest at the Demske Athletic Complex on Friday, September 10. The Bulls then open the home schedule with a 1:00 pm clash with Robert Morris on Sunday, September 12. The Bulls hold a commanding 25-8-5 record over the Golden Griffins in the all-time series. The teams played to 1-1 tie in last season's contest as Dan Bulley scored the game-tying marker in the 56th minute in UB Stadium. Canisius is 0-2 after opening the season with road losses at Drexel and Delaware. The Bulls and Colonials have played four times with each team collecting a victory and playing to two ties. UB downed Robert Morris on the road last year as Lucas Bassan and Mike Unwin tallied goals in the contest. Robert Morris is also winless thus far in the season falling to local rivals Pittsburgh and Duquesne last week.