AMHERST, Mass. – Competing in a battle of unbeatens, the Boston University men's soccer team struck first but was undone by a pair of defensive miscues in a 2-1 loss at UMass Saturday afternoon.
The Minutemen (4-0-1) overcame senior
Colin Innes' 14th-minute goal by firing a 22-yard free kick through a leaping wall of defenders in the 24th minute and then pouncing on a soft pass back for the go-ahead empty net goal at 72:07 against the Terriers (2-1-2).
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Senior Quinn Matulis attempted the game's first shot in the 12th minute, prompting the game's first corner kick as well.
- UMass blocked freshman Quin DeLaMater's shot at 12:23, and keeper Matt Zambetti was in position to stop junior Eitan Rosen's header seconds later.
- BU remained on the attack and grabbed the lead at 13:52 when Innes fired a 20-yard shot inside the left post past a diving Zambetti following a pass from junior Andrew Rent.
- Five minutes after the Terriers cleared their first corner kick, the Minutemen earned a free kick a few yards outside their box and converted off the foot of Nick Zielonka.
- BU successfully defended against four more UMass corner kicks and took the last shot of the half with sophomore Tyler Johnson sending one over the crossbar at 44:41.
- Senior Francesco Montali earned his first two saves at 54:25 and 56:12, respectively, to keep the game even.
- The Terriers had a quality chance in the 72nd minute, but UMass blocked Rent's attempt and forced a high shot from sophomore Kevin Torres.
- A minute later, the Minutemen's Shizu Yohena took advantage of a soft pass back to Montali by getting to the ball first and then running around the keeper for the quick empty net goal at 72:07.
- BU pressured UMass' backline over the final five minutes with multiple free kicks and two shot attempts but couldn't find the equalizer for its first loss of the year.
GAME NOTES
- Innes now leads the Terriers with two goals and four points.
- Through five games, Rent already has a personal-best three assists.
- BU posted an 11-9 advantage in shots despite the Minutemen finishing ahead in corner kicks, 7-2.
- Both Montali and Zambetti earned three saves apiece.
- UMass improved to 25-18-7 all-time in the series by edging the Terriers by one goal for the third straight matchup.
UP NEXT
- The Terriers will open Patriot League play at Colgate on Friday (Sept. 16) with a 7 p.m. start time.
- BU has won the last three meetings, including last season's 2-0 home decision.