Sept. 22, 2008
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BOSTON - Currently on a three-game unbeaten streak, the Boston University men's soccer team (2-3-2) will meet neighbor Northeastern (1-2-3) on Tuesday at Parsons Field with a 2 p.m. start time. BU will look to reach .500 for the first time this season after Saturday's 4-2 victory over Colgate, while the Huskies are coming off consecutive 0-0 draws against Maine and Providence.
After only scoring three goals in the first four games, the Terriers' offense came alive during the three-game homestand as the team scored four goals each against Rhode Island and Colgate. While the team did not convert against Brown in the 0-0 draw, the players had their opportunities as they attempted 10 shots in the contest. BU is currently second in the America East Conference in shots averaged per game at 14.14.
Junior Shaun Taylor took a hold of the lead in the team categories for goals and points in dramatic fashion this past weekend as he took the Raiders out with his first career hat trick. His three scores have him standing atop with four goals and nine points through seven games. Sophomore Aaron O'Neal currently holds the lead in assists with three after recording one on Saturday, and freshman Michael Bustamante is one behind after recording his first and second career assists in the same game.
Defensively, the team has earned three shutouts but did suffer a relapse in the first half against Colgate, allowing two goals that included one scored with only two seconds remaining. After adjustments were made at halftime, the defense shut the Raider offense down, only allowing a total of three shot attempts in the second half compared to eight in the first. BU currently lies in fifth in the conference category for goals against average at 1.06.
Like the Terriers, Northeastern has had its ups and downs defensively, recording draws against then-No. 23 Louisville, then-No. 25 Providence and Maine, while also suffering losses against Holy Cross (3-2) and Butler (2-1). The Huskies' lone win this season happened at Fairfield (2-1).
Lewis Ehrlich leads the team in goals with three, while Petur Vidarsson has the team's only assist of the season. Keeper Scott Partridge has played every minute, posting a 1.06 goals-against average and .825 save percentage thus far.
The Terriers lead the all-time series 18-6-1, winning last year's game at home, 3-0. Sophomore Aaron O'Neal posted his first career goal in the contest, while senior Hrafn Davidsson recorded two saves for the shutout. In the last meeting at Parsons Field in 2004, BU earned a 2-0 victory.
After Tuesday's contest, the players will have a week to train and relax before hosting Harvard next Tuesday (Sept. 30) at 7 p.m. at Nickerson Field.
