American, Lafayette, Bucknell, and Boston vie for Championship on Thursday and Saturday
The four teams left standing will again meet in DC for a repeat of last years Patriot League Championship with a minor reshuffling of the deck. American will meet Boston at 11 am Thursday and Lafayette will meet Bucknell at 2 pm. American ended the regular season with an undefeated record, Lafayette came up second with the overtime loss to American as their only blemish, Buckell had two losses ( American and Lafayette), Boston dropped games to Lafayette, American and Bucknell.
But it is the internal statistics that are most interesting. Lafayette has not be scored upon in any League game since their 1-0 overtime loss to American at the beginning of the League schedule. Lafayette and Bucknell lead in goals scored in League games with 17 each while American trails with 16 and Boston has 10.
The five straight shutouts by Lafayette compare with Boston’s 12 goals against, Bucknell’s 8 goals against and American’s 3 goals against. Lafayette’s offense is highlight by its League leading 103 shots, to American’s 92, Bucknell’s 82 and Boston’s 70. Lafayette had 42 corners during the League games, Buckell had 40. American had 36 and Boston had 36.
Lafayette was strong in goal with a 95% save percentage, American followed with 86 %,Boston with 75% and Bucknell with 68 %.
So in summary. statistically the Leopards look pretty good. But the only statistic in end is the final score and the Leopards ( as well as the rest of League ) have a hard time getting past American and they are at home. There is not video replay at American’s home field which to my mind is an issue the League should address, any other field but American’s would have had video referral.
Three of the coaches have ten plus years in the job while Bucknell’s coach has been there only several years but has proven to be a dangerous opponent, especially in important games.
There is always a surprise in these games as American lost to Lehigh several years ago during the pandemic games. Lafayette has a diversified group of talent which could be a problem for any opponent. Lafayette’s Thursday opponent, Bucknell has the very talented Lily Neilson which will challenge Lafayette’s defense. In any case, Lafayette must limit opponent penalty corners and circle penetrations. They must also finish with more regularity.
The prize is the trophy and the privilege of keep playing in the National Championship tournament!!
Lafayette College Field Hockey 