Terriers Set to Host Army Saturday Afternoon
October 3, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Oct. 3, 2014
Watch on PLN | Gametracker | @BUGameDay
BOSTON - Riding a four-game unbeaten streak, the Boston University men's soccer team will conclude a three-game homestand against Army on Saturday with action slated to begin at 2 p.m.
The Terriers (5-2-1, 1-0-0 PL) are receiving the 31st most votes in the latest NSCAA national poll following Saturday's 2-1 victory over defending conference champion Navy. The win snapped the Midshipmen's 11-game win streak against PL opponents. During the unbeaten streak, BU has scored two goals in each of the four games with senior Dominique Badji playing a key role in five of the scores.
The striker ranks second in the Patriot League and 62nd nationally in points at 1.25 per game. He leads BU with four goals and two assists. Junior Lucas McBride tallied the first goal in the win against the Midshipmen and is second on the team with two goals and four points. Freshman David Amirani has a goal and two assists, while junior Richie Robinson also owns two assists.
On the offensive end, the Terriers currently own a 108-98 advantage in shot attempts and 45-39 lead in corners but have hurt themselves with 25 more fouls than opponents' total (106-81). The defense led by reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week Nick Thomson has overcome the challenges to post a 0.72 goals against average and 0.824 save percentage. BU has earned three shutouts this season, while opponents have recorded two blank sheets.
Army (3-3-3, 0-1-0 PL) took second in the conference standings last year before falling in the PL semifinals on penalty kicks. The Black Knights are led by 2013 All-American and reigning PL Goalkeeper of the Year Winston Boldt, who was named to the Hermann MAC Award Watch List during the summer. Last season, he earned 12 shutouts and posted a 0.888 save percentage. This season, he is currently 22nd nationally in goals against average (0.610) and tied-for-33rd with Nick Thomson at 0.818 save percentage.
The Black Knights have sent five of their nine games to overtime and are 1-1-3 in such contests with a 1-0 win at Binghamton and 2-1 loss to Bucknell. Offensively, Army has not had a player stand out yet. Mario Da Silva has two goals with five teammates owning a score. Six other team members have notched an assist to help Army outscore opponents, 7-6.
In last year's match-up, McBride and junior Jeroen Blugh put BU ahead, 2-0, but the Black Knights rallied back with two goals in the final 10 minutes of regulation before scoring the golden goal for the 3-2 victory. The Terriers lead the all-time series, 3-2-0, that dates back to 1978 and will host Army for the first time as a fellow Patriot League member.
Following the game, BU will hit the road and visit Holy Cross on Wednesday (Oct. 8) at 7 p.m.
