There are combinations and duos whose whole value is greater than the sum of their parts. This stands true about Dan Bash and Bryan Blaszczyk. Bash and Blaszczyk were the core of the defense for the Penn State Behrend men’s soccer team from 2002-2006.
Bash was a four-time All-AMCC selection, two-time team MVP and Mid-Atlantic All-Region honoree. Blaszczyk was a three-time All-AMCC choice, and joined Bash as an All-Region recipient his senior year. They led the Lions to the AMCC Championship in 2003 and held opponents to a 0.89 goals-against average (GAA) allowing just 19 goals in 21 games. In addition to being the most prolific defenders, Bash registered seven goals and two assists during his career and Blaszczyk tallied 11 goals and seven assists for 29 points.
Their freshman season, the Lions went 6-1-1 at home and recorded a shutout in seven of the team’s eight wins. Behrend advanced to the ECAC Tournament, defeating Western Maryland 4-1 before falling 1-0 to Muhlenberg. Bash edged Blaszczyk for a spot on the All-AMCC squad with an honorable-mention nod, just one of seven freshmen on the All-Conference team.
The Lion’s defense was one of the best in the AMCC the following season, thanks in part to Bash and Blaszczyk. Holding opponents to 0.89 goals against and posting nine shutouts for a 14-5-2 overall record led to the soccer program’s third AMCC Championship. It also marked the first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament for Behrend. Blaszczyk landed on the All-Conference second team for the first time and Bash was chosen to the first team.
In 2004, the duo continued to work hard together yet independently with their aerial ability and physical presence to ensure a solid back line for the Lions. Nine shutouts resulted in 12 wins their junior year. Blaszczyk stayed on the All-Conference second team for a consecutive season, while Bash found his way on the All-AMCC first team once again and was named to the Mid-Atlantic All-Region second team. He was one of three members from the AMCC to be selected to this elite group.
The two were unstoppable during their senior year. Both defenders were named to on the All-Conference first team and the All-Region team for helping Behrend advance to the ECAC Tournament once again. Blaszczyk, who earned his first All-Region honor, was selected to the second team while Bash was chosen to the third team. They anchored the Lions defense, which gave up just 0.95 goals per game and posted five shutouts for a 12-7 overall record.