September 21, 2005

NEWARK , NJ - Bucknell scored with just nine seconds remaining in regulation to pull even with New Jersey Institute of Technology and the teams ended in a 1-1 tie after 20 scoreless overtime minutes in non-conference men's soccer Wednesday night.

NJIT, playing at home for the first time since September 6, headed into the closing seconds with a 1-0 lead, thanks to Bobby Herrera's goal off a direct free kick in the 51 st minute.

Bucknell, now 3-2-2 , proved the value of competing until the last horn, as junior Tom Sherman struck a long pass from near midfield into the crowded penalty area and senior Tim Faneck headed it into the goal with just nine seconds showing on the scoreboard clock.

"This is one of those games where you realize, with a young team, everything is a learning experience," said NJIT coach Pedro Lopes. "We were in the dying seconds and we weren't all focused the way you need to be to prevent that kind of goal.

"Give Bucknell credit. They kept putting the ball in the box, right to the end. In a situation like that, you have to make quick decisions and (goalkeeper Ryan Sutherland) came out and it was so crowded, he couldn't get back in time to save the goal."

Having allowed the late goal, NJIT struggled to regain its balance early in the first overtime. However, by the time game ended, the Highlanders were back, producing quality chances.

"Obviously, it was tough to have the win slip away late like that," said Lopes. "But we were still able to get a point against a good team. I'm very proud of the way we kept playing hard in the overtime."

The Highlanders, who are 1-3-3, with just two matches--a win and a loss--decided in regulation, will open Atlantic Soccer Conference play on Saturday at 6:30 pm, hosting Philadelphia University under the Lubetkin Field lights.