WASHINGTON, D.C. – Boosted by senior
Matt McDonnell's second brace of the year, the Boston University men's soccer team rallied to claim a 2-1 victory at American on Friday afternoon.
With their third multi-goal performance in the last four games, the Terriers (2-9-1, 2-3-0 PL) were able to defeat the Eagles (1-8-2, 1-3-1 PL) for the third straight season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Terriers had the game's first quality look in the fifth minute when freshman Marc Roura sent a low free kick attempt through the wall at the top of the box toward the right post for the save.
- American had its own free kick attempt several yards away from the corner flag and managed to find a running Oscar McConnell for the quick strike and 1-0 lead at 16:51.
- The Eagles later played the ball back in the 33rd minute to keeper John Mino, who whiffed on the kick and allowed the hustling McDonnell to pounce on the loose ball for the equalizer.
- BU dominated possession in the second half, and McDonnell helped the Terriers take the lead for good in the 67th minute with a quick flick on a serve pass from junior Toti Knutsson at the far post.
- American earned its first corner kick in the 77th minute and managed to find Jack Green on the other side of the box, but junior goalkeeper Michael Stone made a diving save on a low grounder to preserve the win.
GAME NOTES
- McDonnell previously struck twice at Lehigh and now has a team-leading seven goals this year, including five over the last four games, after tallying six goals in 2018.
- Knutsson became the fifth Terrier to earn an assist this season.
- The Terriers finished ahead in both shots (11-9) and corner kicks (7-1).
- Stone had one save, while Mino earned six saves.
- BU improved to 4-3-1 all-time against the Eagles while also collecting its first road win of the year.
NEXT UP: HARVARD
- The Terriers will return home to host their final non-conference game of the season on Tuesday (Oct. 15) at 7 p.m. as part of a soccer doubleheader with Harvard on NESNplus.
- The women will face off at 4 p.m.
- Last season, the men scored in the 36th minute, but the Crimson came back in the 79th and 93rd minutes, respectively, for the 2-1 overtime win.
- Two years ago, BU claimed a 1-0 win despite the Crimson finishing ahead in shots, 6-5.