Terriers Drop Home Opener to Rhode Island, 2-0

Friday, August 24

Boston, MA

7 PM

Boston University

0-1-0

Rhode Island

1-0-0

Rhode Island

Boston University

Terriers Drop Home Opener to Rhode Island, 2-0

August 24, 2018 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score Highlights

BOSTON – Competing in its 70th season and home opener, the Boston University men's soccer team put Rhode Island on its heels for most of the second half but was unable to net the equalizer before allowing an 83rd minute score for the 2-0 loss Friday night at Nickerson Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Both teams had a wide shot attempt in the first four minutes of action before the Rams began to gain control of possession.
After missing on two shots at 11:52 and 15:06, respectively, Dominik Richter sent a through ball in the 20th minute to a charging Ludvik Benco, who fired a curling attempt toward the left post from the top of the box for the 1-0 advantage.
URI entered the locker room with a 7-2 lead in shots.
The Terriers maintained possession for much of the second half and nearly tied the game at 64:29, as senior David Riccio rifled a ball from 25 yards that ended up hitting the crossbar.
The Rams added an insurance goal at 82:51 after Simon Trcka beat multiple BU defenders inside the box and sent a quick shot under senior Mike Bernardi's legs.
Roger Penske and the backline combined for three saves in the second half to seal the shutout victory for the Rams, who were selected to finish fourth in the A-10 after posting an RPI ranking of 41 last season,.

GAME NOTES

Sophomore Austin D'Anna led the Terriers with three shots, as the teams finished tied in attempts, 9-9.
The Rams edged BU in corner kicks, 3-2.
Freshmen Gent Celaj, Evan Morrisson and John Siracuse all made their debuts in the opener for BU.
Bernardi had four saves and was joined by senior Josh Barkoff, junior Matt McDonnell, Riccio, junior Satchel Cortet and junior Mana Chavali in playing all 90 minutes.
The Terriers are now 23-17-8 in a rivalry with URI that dates back to 1963 and are also 28-33-9 all-time in season openers.

NEXT UP: BOSTON COLLEGE

The Terriers will hit the road for the first time this season and visit crosstown rival Boston College on Monday, Aug. 27 with a 5 p.m. start time.
BU has lost the last five meetings against the Eagles and will be seeking their first win since a 1-0 road victory in 2012.