Colgate University Men’s Soccer battled Bucknell University to a 0–0 draw at Beyer-Small ’76 Field on Saturday, Sept. 20. In a tense Patriot League Championship rematch, the Raiders showed resilience as they looked to put last year’s heartbreaking title-game defeat behind them.
In 2024, Colgate defeated Lehigh and Boston University in close matchups to reach the Patriot League final, where they then fell 3-0 to Bucknell. The Bison also won their regular-season meeting that year, breaking the tie with a goal in the 82nd minute.
When asked about their mindset heading into this year’s matchup, senior captain and defender Liam Winograd emphasized the team’s need for a disciplined approach in order to find success.
“Every game should be treated as a final and approached with a ton of focus and care,” he said. “As a team, I think we focused more tactically than we did prior — we were more focused on key moments than last year.”
Senior captain and midfielder Cason Stafford echoed this point, reflecting on their offensive performance and the close opportunities they had to capitalize on.
“The entire game was different from last year’s final. They kept a large number of the same players, but our team only had three returning starters,” Stafford said. “Our ability to not concede goals and defend together has improved, as well as creating more opportunities to score — we just need to get better at converting those chances.”
On Colgate’s defensive side, Bucknell tallied 13 shots, 11 of which came in the second half, while the Raiders recorded five. Senior goalkeeper Eric Widrick, a four-time Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week recipient, anchored the back line with a strong performance. He registered seven saves to secure his fifth shutout of the season, once again proving his value to the Raiders’ defense. After the match, Widrick stressed the importance of composure under pressure.
“I think not getting flustered in the moment was super important. When they had a good opportunity to take a shot, we kept our cool and were able to block the shot, or I was able to make the save,” Widrick said.
Colgate’s efforts did not go unnoticed by the league. Winograd and first-year forward Cole Ramey earned Patriot League Defender and Rookie of the Week honors, respectively, for their performances against Bucknell and University of Albany. Ramey currently leads the team with three goals and seven points this season.
Beyond the week’s honors, the conversation turned to the Raiders’ current league record. When asked about bouncing back from a 0-1-1 start, Stafford voiced confidence in the team’s potential for growth.
“This isn’t the best start to league play, but as a team, we are extremely confident going into the rest of the season. Obviously we need to focus on every individual game, so the next one will be most important for us,” he said.
He added that the team’s culture has set the stage for long-term success.
“Over my four years, the biggest growth I have seen is the culture,” Stafford said. “Giving every player the opportunity to play with confidence, no matter what age they are, is so important to this team because we need every player at their best to get our desired results. The training environment is extremely important as well. When every player is able to push the guy next to them, everyone just continues to get better, and then we go out and show that on game day.”
Winograd also pointed out that this culture is what has allowed them to push one another and integrate their large class of first-years into such a fast paced and intense environment.
“There’s not much you can do other than tell them to have fun, focus and be willing to give it their all. I think showing them the second you step on the field that you’re going to give it your all just lets them know it’s time to focus and do whatever it takes to win the game.”
With that mindset, the Raiders turn their attention to their next Patriot League matchup against Lafayette College on Saturday, Sept. 27, in Easton, Pa., which will be a pivotal contest for two teams tied in the league standings.
Editor’s Note: The Raiders tied the Lafayette Leopards 0-0 on Saturday — the team’s second scoreless league draw. Colgate beat Lafayette in shots, shots on goal and saves but the two teams remain tied in Patriot League standings, alongside the College of Holy Cross.
