Terriers Welcome Hartford to Nickerson Field Sunday
October 16, 2009 | Women's Soccer
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BOSTON - The Boston University women's soccer team (9-5-2, 5-1-0 AE) will look to rebound on Sunday afternoon when it welcomes America East foe Hartford (4-9-2, 0-4-1 AE) to Nickerson Field at 2 pm. The Terriers recently suffered their first conference loss of the season, while the Hawks are seeking their first league victory in 2009.
Hartford holds the 9-7 advantage in the all-time series record and has claimed two of the last three meetings. However, in the 2008 finale, BU defeated the Hawks by a 1-0 margin in double overtime to secure the conference's regular season crown outright and claim home field advantage in the America East Women's Soccer Championship, which it went on to win.
In the last eight games, during which time BU has gone 7-1-0, the squad's offensive power has surged, scoring 19 goals from 10 different players. In all, 13 Terriers have figured into the scoring with either a goal or assist. In 2009, senior Emily Pallotta and sophomore Jessica Luscinski lead the offense with 12 points apiece. Pallotta has scored five goals - a career best - and added one assist, while Luscinski has scored three goals and added six assists - a team best. Five other Terriers have scored multiple goals this season to help BU sit atop the conference standings in points (69), goals (24) and assists (21).
On the opposite end of the field, BU continues to shine on defense, as it owns a conference-best 0.79 goals-against average to go along with eight shutout. Senior Janie Reilly ranks first in the America East and ninth in the nation in GAA and has shut out five opponents.
Each of Hartford's conference losses have been by just one goal and its lone tie was a scoreless stalemate against Stony Brook on Oct. 1. For the Hawks, Alex Uscilla has scored four goals and added two assists for 10 points, followed by Laura Guigli with three goals and three assists for nine points. In goal, Lauren Brodeur has shouldered all the netminding duties and has amassed a 1.36 GAA and .790 save percentage with three shutouts.
Following Sunday's match-up, BU will take a quick step outside of America East action and take on Bryant University on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Nickerson Field. Kick-off is slated for 4 pm.
