McDonnell Strikes Twice in 4-2 Loss at Lehigh

Saturday, September 28

Bethlehem, PA

6 PM

Boston University

0-8-1, 0-2PL

Lehigh

6-2-0, 2-0PL

Boston U.

Lehigh

Matt McDonnell awaits a pass while guarded by UMass Lowell

McDonnell Strikes Twice in 4-2 Loss at Lehigh

September 28, 2019 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After senior Matt McDonnell headed in back-to-back goals, Lehigh rallied with three second-half goals to defeat the Boston University men's soccer team, 4-2, on Saturday night at the Ulrich Sports Complex.

Josh Luchini recorded his first-ever hat trick to lead the Mountain Hawks (6-2-0), 2-0-0 PL), while McDonnell had his third-career multi-goal performance for the Terriers (0-8-1, 0-2-0 PL).

HOW IT HAPPENED

Lehigh struck first in the 11th minute when Natan Rosen forced a turnover and sent a through ball to Luchini, who got past the backline and shot a low grounder for the 1-0 advantage.
Luchini nearly doubled the lead in a similar move in the 21st minute, but junior Michael Stone came off his line for an impressive save.
McDonnell tied the game with a run into the box and a header off sophomore Kari Petursson's cross at 28:55.
Senior Mana Chavli gave BU the lead 10 minutes later by intercepting a pass and dribbling toward the box before setting up a second header by McDonnell.
After being held to four shots in the first half, Lehigh recorded nine in the second.
The Terriers managed to block a shot from Alex Green eduring a scramble in the 60th minute and also the ensuing corner kick.
Greene though helped Lehigh remain on the attack and set up a goal from Stevo Bednarsky on a give and go at 61:46.
BU nearly retook the lead at 62:48 when the Terriers sent a long free kick into the box, but Will Smith was able to make a diving save on the one-timer from senior Satchel Cortet.
Luchini was then able to break through the BU backline at 69:00 and 82:43 to give Lehigh the come-from-behind victory.

Another look at both McDonnell goals. #GoBU https://t.co/mJvvPwxtf2 pic.twitter.com/4i0UGuIFkn
— BU Men's Soccer (@TerrierMSOC) September 28, 2019

GAME NOTES

McDonnell now owns 17 career goals and leads the team with eight points this season.
Petursson earned his first assist of the season and is now second on the team with three points.
Chavali became the third Terrier to earn an assist.
The Mountain Hawks had a 13-6 advantage in shots and 6-0 lead in corner kicks.
Stone had two saves, while Smith had one for Lehigh.
Luchini now leads the PL with eight goals, three more than the nearest competitor.
Lehigh evened the all-time series, 4-4, and tied BU's 4-1 victory in 2001 for the most goals scored in a matchup.

NEXT UP: HOLY CROSS

The Terriers return home following the five-game road trip and will host the Crusaders on Wednesday (Oct. 2) at 7 p.m.
BU is riding a six-game unbeaten streak (5-0-1) against the Crusaders following last year's 1-0 road victory.
Sophomore John Siracuse was named Turnpike Trophy MVP after scoring the game-winning goal in the 14th minute.
Two years ago, BU pulled out a 3-0 home with three different Terriers finding the back of the net.