Bucknell University’s men’s soccer squad is set to meet the University of Pittsburgh on Monday, August 24, at Ambrose Urbanic Field, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The clash follows a busy week in which both programs fell 2‑1 in their most recent outings.
The two sides last faced each other in 2003, when Pittsburgh edged Bucknell 3‑2 after a 2‑1 lead was surrendered in the final minutes. That memory adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming encounter, especially as the Bison look to reverse a modest historical deficit.
Injuries have already reshaped the Bison’s lineup. Key contributors Drew Roskos, Jack Lucas and Jakub Samelko are unavailable, forcing the coaching staff to lean on a younger core as the team navigates a demanding schedule.
Freshman forward Chayse Snyder broke onto the scene by scoring his first collegiate goal in the 80th minute against Hofstra, only to see Pittsburgh answer 50 seconds later through Sean Keane, sealing a 2‑1 defeat for Bucknell.
Head coach Dave Brandt, a veteran with a career record of 375‑119‑56 and six Division III national titles at Messiah, brings a steady hand to the program. Under his guidance the Bison finished the 2025 season third in the Patriot League with 29 goals scored and a goals‑per‑game average of 1.611.
A Challenging Road Ahead
The 2026 slate promises a gauntlet of non‑conference tests, including matches against Pitt, Penn State, George Mason, Old Dominion and Cornell. Historically, Bucknell has shown resilience, scoring in the final 16 minutes of eight of its 18 games last season, a trait the staff hopes to harness.
Adding to the narrative, Viktor Permyashkin, a Lewisburg native and the first local graduate to don a Bucknell jersey, arrives alongside 19 returning players and six freshmen, underscoring the program’s blend of home‑grown talent and new blood.