Men's Soccer Hosts Loyola Maryland Saturday Night
October 25, 2013 | Men's Soccer
Oct. 25, 2013
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BOSTON - With two home games remaining in the regular season, the Boston University men's soccer team will host fellow new Patriot League member Loyola Maryland on Saturday night with kickoff set for 7 p.m. The two squads will be meeting for the first time since 1992.
The contest is practically a must win for both programs, as they are currently outside the required top-six standing to reach the conference tournament. The Terriers (4-8-1, 1-4-0 PL) are in eighth place with three points, three behind current No. 6 Lafayette (2-3-0 = 6 pts.). Besides facing the Greyhounds (5-6-2, 0-4-1), BU still has t-No. 4 American (2-2-1 = 7 pts.), t-No. 4 Bucknell (2-2-1 = 7 pts.) and No. 7 Colgate (1-3-1 = 4 pts.) remaining on the schedule.
One of the key issues facing BU after five games in league play is the ability to finish on scoring opportunities. The Terriers rank second in conference-only stats averaging 16.60 shots per game and are tied-for-first in corner kicks with 6.8 per game. However, they are tied-for-seventh in goals scored with just three.
Looking to break the team's scoring funk is preseason All-Conference honoree Dominique Badji, who leads BU with 21 shots in conference play. Sophomore Lucas McBride and freshman David Asbjornsson are next behind the junior with 12 apiece. McBride has converted on two of his opportunities for goals, including the game winner against Lehigh.
On the defensive end, redshirt freshman Matt Gilbert has started all five league games and owns a 1.36 goals against average and 0.774 save percentage with a shutout against the Mountain Hawks. The backline has been hampered by injuries this season, and former America East Defensive Player of the Year Kelvin Madzongwe has only been able to play in 37 of the 462 total minutes. Sophomore Jeroen Blugh has missed two of the conference games with midfielder Fannar Arnarssonalso missing a contest.
The Greyhounds' offense has also suffered a similar slump, recording two goals in five conference games. Loyola opened the season 5-0-1 outscoring opponents 12-5 but since then has gone 0-6-1 with opponents finishing ahead in goals, 13-3.
Larry Ndjock leads his team with eight goals and 16 points, while Stephen Dooley has two goals and a team-high six assists for 10 points. Three different goalkeepers have started at least one game this season. Zach Kane (1-6-1) has appeared in eight contests and has a 1.73 goals against average and 0.764 save percentage. Thurman Van Riper (3-0-1) has made five starts and owns a 1.04 GAA and 0.821 save percentage.
BU and Loyolad first met in a neutral setting in 1987 with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. BU then claimed a 3-1 victory at home in 1991 before dropping a 1-0 decision to the Greyhounds on the road in 1992.
Following the contest, the Terriers will visit Colgate on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
