Andy Bush netted a hat trick and broke a pair of school career records as the Misericordia University men's soccer team defeated Freedom rival Eastern University, 3-0, in a battle of regionally-ranked teams Tuesday night at Mangelsdorf Field.
 
Bush's three goals gave him 45 for his career and pushed his career points total to 111, both surpassing marks set by Todd Bardua in 1999.
 
“This was definitely something that I wanted to do coming in here,” said Bush of the milestones. “I wanted to make my mark on the program and to help make this program special. To be a part of this history means a lot to me, and I couldn't have done it all without any of my teammates. They're just as big a part of this as I am.
 
Bush netted his first goal just over three minutes into the contest, finding a ball slid through by Nick Ferguson to give the Cougars the early 1-0 lead.
 
“I thought our guys really stepped up to the challenge tonight,” said MU head coach Chuck Edkins. “Getting that first goal early really made the difference, as it enabled us to set the tone.”
 
Despite taking the early lead, the Cougars found themselves in a tough battle throughout the first half. Eastern controlled possession late and actually held a 10-8 edge in total shots heading into the locker room.
 
“We weathered the storm at the half,” said Edkins.  “They really took the game over for the last eight minutes of the half. We regrouped at halftime, and then I thought we took the game to them for the second half.”
 
The Cougars did just that, as Bush took advantage of a poorly-executed clear by the Eagles' defense, sending the ball into an open net to give MU a 2-0 lead, tying the goals record and breaking Bardua's points record.
 
Bush completed the hat trick in the 83^rd minute, taking another ball on his own and putting it past Eastern goalkeeper Kyle Nichols to claim sole possession of the goals record.
 
“Obviously Bush is a special player,” said Edkins of the three-time All-Freedom selection. “A hat trick against Eastern just doesn't happen. It's a credit to the special talent that he has as a soccer player as well as the talent that's around him.”
 
Billy Sopko made six saves to earn his second straight shutout and third straight win in as many games in goal.
 
“I think for Sopko to come out and step up to the level that he did tonight and keep a zero on the board is phenomenal,” said Edkins. “It's a credit to both him and our defense as a whole. He got his chance against Dickinson- who was 20^th in the country- and made the most of it.”
 
After a rough stretch, the Cougars have gone 6-0-1 in their last seven contests.
 
“The piece to the puzzle is that we've realized that we need to take things one day at a time,” said Edkins. “I think we were looking too far into the future and worrying about November before September was finished. These kids have done a good job of taking it up a notch every day, both in training and in games.”
 
Bush echoed Edkins' thoughts about the team's success.
 
“We need to keep doing what we're doing,” Bush said. “We've done a better job of possessing and playing within ourselves, and that's turned our season around. We've really come together as a team.”
 
The Cougars will look to continue their seven-game unbeaten streak when they travel to DeSales on Saturday. The Bulldogs earned a 3-1 win over Wilkes tonight.
 
“The conference is very challenging,” said Edkins. “DeSales is a hardworking, physical team, and going to their place is going to be a challenge. They'll be ready for us, and we have to be ready for them. We must continue to elevate our play.”