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.
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.
