WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis surged ahead on Brennan Libo's first collegiate assist and Thero Mitchell's first collegiate goal, but Bucknell's second-half rally handed the Red Flash a setback at the Plex.
>> Libo made his collegiate debut, earning his first start and recording an assist just eight minutes into the match.
>> Mitchell added to the milestone moments, scoring the first home goal of the 2025 season
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The match swung in the second half as Bucknell broke through for the equalizer just five minutes after the restart, shifting momentum firmly in the Bison's favor.
From there, Bucknell capitalized on a corner to take a 3–2 lead and eventually sealed the match with a fourth goal in the 88th minute.
Earlier, Saint Francis built a 2–0 advantage after Libo slipped a through ball behind the defense for Mitchell's first collegiate goal, followed by an own goal created by Mitchell's pressure in the 28th minute.
Bucknell responded before halftime to cut the deficit to 2–1, setting up its decisive second-half surge.
FLASH MOMENTS
Goalkeeper Diego Garciarena made an early save in the fifth minute and denied another dangerous volley in the 12th.
Libo nearly scored in the 13th minute, forcing a critical stop after breaking behind the Bucknell defense.
Garciarena kept the match level at 2–2 with a free kick save in the 53rd minute, then added another highlight stop on a curling shot in the 75th.
Mitchell nearly tallied his second goal when his effort went just over the bar.
Alex De Nittis recorded his first shot on goal of the 2025 season in the 76th minute, nearly equalizing.
Harry Elmore hit the side netting in the 80th as the Red Flash continued to press late.
FLASH NUGGETS
Libo made his first collegiate appearance and earned the start for Saint Francis.
De Nittis saw the field for the first time this season.
The matchup marked the 19th meeting between Saint Francis and Bucknell since 2005. The Red Flash hold a 9–9–1 record in the all-time series.
Bucknell's win snapped Saint Francis' four-match winning streak in the series, which included a 3–0 road victory in 2024, the largest margin of victory for either side.
NEXT ON TAP
Saint Francis opens NEC play on Sunday, Sept. 28, with a 1:00 p.m. matchup at Le Moyne. The Red Flash head to Syracuse looking to kick off their conference slate with a strong performance at Ted Grant Field.
