Maroon News

Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: Sports

After junior Matt "Red Gazelle" Leach scored a spectacular bicycle kick goal to catapult the Raiders past Bucknell last Sunday, Colgate retained its ability to control its own destiny and obtain home-field advantage throughout the Patriot League tournament.

Colgate continued its incredible form as of late with a dramatic 2-1 victory at home against Bucknell last Sunday afternoon. From the opening whistle, the Raiders took control and began peppering the Bison net looking for a goal. In the 26th minute, the Raiders thought they broke through when junior forward Matt Leach put a tricky flick shot into the net after receiving a pass from first-year Steven Miller. However, the goal was disallowed after the referee said that Miller passed the ball while it was out-of-bounds. Even so, the Raiders kept charging and their efforts would pay off in the 34th minute when sophomore Chris Ross sent a great cross into the box that was touched in by first-year Steven Miller. The goal gave the Raiders a crucial 1-0 lead going into halftime.

The start of the second half was a different story, as the Raiders came out sluggish. In the 49th minute, Bucknell's Justin Wolf sent in a cross that was initially stopped by junior goalie David Cappuccio, but the rebound went to Conor O'Brien, who tapped the ball in with ease to tie the game at one. Neither team would score for the remainder of the second half or the first overtime. In the second overtime, sophomore defenseman Chris Koontz sent a massive throw-in to the goalmouth that flew by a Bucknell defender into the box. Junior Matt Leach saw his opportunity and made a beautiful bicycle kick shot that sent the ball into the top left corner for the Golden Goal. The goal was the third of the season for the "Red Gazelle" and by far the biggest of his career.

"It was a huge league win this weekend over a solid Bucknell team," Belke said. "It was important to secure first place in the league to stay in control of our own destiny when the playoff picture begins to unfold. We had a total team effort throughout the game with everyone contributing all over the field, and the Red Gazelle made a highlight reel play to win the game for us in overtime."

The win extended Colgate's Patriot League record to 3-0-1, which is good enough for a first-place tie with American. The Raiders also earned three Patriot League awards for their efforts against Bucknell., as Leach, Koontz and Miller earned Offensive, Defensive and Rookie Player of the Week honors.

Colgate will try and continue its impressive undefeated home record when they host Navy on Saturday at 7 p.m.

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