Sept. 17, 2013
Box Score | Watch Game | Highlights | Gilbert's Postgame Comments
BOSTON - Extending its win streak to three games, the Boston University men's soccer team scored in the 34th minute and cleared away eight corner kicks to earn a 1-0 victory over defending CAA champion Northeastern on Tuesday night at Nickerson Field.
With last week's 2-1 win over 2012 CAA runner-up Hofstra, the Terriers in their first season as a member of the Patriot League improve to 3-2-0, while the Huskies (2-2-2) see their three-game unbeaten streak snapped.
From 35 yards out on the left side, senior Anthony Ciccone lofted a free kick to unmarked freshman Felix De Bona, who headed the ball in the middle of the box toward the left post past the diving Dylan Faber. Ciccone now has four assists in the last three games and is tied for the team lead in points with De Bona (2g).
Redshirt-freshman Matt Gilbert was impressive in just his fourth start, posting five saves for his second consecutive shutout following last Saturday's 3-0 win over MAAC preseason favorite Monmouth. He made his first stop at 21:09 in the first half off an attempt by Christian McKenna, who led the Huskies with four shots.
After allowing the goal, Northeastern tried to push up the tempo, attempting three of its six shots in the final seven minutes of the half. The Terriers' backline though anchored by sophomore Jeroen Blugh and reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Week David Asbjornsson prevented the Huskies from getting a quality look.
BU gave Northeastern opportunities to score off a set piece with 10 first-half fouls but cleaned up in the second with just four. However, the Huskies earned six corners and almost connected at 71:35 on Simon Cox's header. Gilbert was in perfect position to make the save after catching multiple other crosses throughout the contest.
Finishing with two saves, Faber made an impressive stop of his own when sophomore Mac McGuire had a point-blank header off a cross from junior Dominique Badji toward the near post at 85:03.
Northeastern's last opportunity to score occurred in the 89th minute when Dante Marini got around a defender and fired toward the middle of the net. Gilbert made the catch to preserve the victory.
BU hosted the Huskies for the first time since 2007 and is now 19-7-1 in the all-time series dating back to 1984. Northeastern finished with a 13-6 advantage in shot attempts and 8-1 lead in corner kicks.
The Terriers will conclude their four-game homestand on Friday (Sept. 20) against the Big East's Providence. Action will begin at 7 p.m.
