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The University at Buffalo men's soccer team kicked off its 2008 season in thrilling fashion as the Bulls used a late goal to slip past Bucknell University, 2-1, in the season opener for both squads.

Senior forward Dominic Oppong (Scarborough, Ontario/Cardinal Newman) netted the game winner with 3:13 remaining in the match to give the Bulls their fourth season-opening win in the last five campaigns. Dan Gwyther (London, England/Woodcote) controlled the UB corner kick but his shot bounced off Bucknell goalkeeper Tommy Caso. Oppong scooped up the loose ball in front of the net and fired the game-winning shot.

The match was tied 1-1 early in the second half as Bucknell's Mark Schmiegel netted the equalizing goal on an assist from Conor O'Brien. UB opened the scoring midway through the opening half when senior Dezi Lara (Fyzabad, Trinidad & Tobago/Naparima) redirected a header from Steffen Thoresen (Trondheim, Norway/Kristen Vidergaaende Tronderlag) in the 25th minute.

UB goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth (Tonawanda, NY/Nichols) stopped five shots en route to his first victory of the season. Caso garnered seven saves for the Bison.

Buffalo outshot their opponents 16-10 and also won the corner kick battle, 4-2.

The Bulls hit the road following the Labor Day holiday with a non-conference match at Siena on Tuesday, September 2 at 4:00 pm.
Dezi Lara