BOSTON – After capturing the program's first Patriot League tournament title over the weekend, the Boston University men's soccer team will open the 2023 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship at defending national champion Syracuse, as announced during the selection show Monday afternoon. 

The Terriers (12-3-4) will head to New York on Thursday (Nov. 16) for a 6 p.m. start with the Orange (8-4-7) serving as hosts. BU will make its 16th overall NCAA appearance and first since securing an at-large bid back in 2015. Ranked 18th nationally in the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll, Syracuse was one of nine ACC squads to earn a spot in the tournament after coming up short to No. 7 North Carolina, 3-1, in their conference semifinals. 

BU is on a five-game win streak with a 9-1-4 record over the last 14 contests. The lone blemish was a loss at Lafayette, who the Terriers defeated on Saturday to claim an 8-0-2 record at home. PL Tournament MVP and Offensive Player of the Year Eitan Rosen owns a team-high nine goals and 20 points, while All-PL First Team member Colin Innes has 15 points (4g,7a). Two-time reigning PL Goalkeeper of the Year Francesco Montali and PL Defensive Player of the Year Griffin Roach have helped the team post a 0.79 goals against average with eight shutouts and opponents averaging just 8.6 shots per game.

Syracuse will enter the matchup with ACC Co-Midfielder of the Year Jeorgio Kocevski (6g,2a)  and Lorenzo Boselli (1g,12a) leading the team at 14 points apiece. Jahiem Wickham has made 12 appearances at net, posting a .688 save percentage and 0.87 goals against average. The Orange own notable non-conference wins against Ivy League champion Yale (2-0) and Providence (2-0) alongside several ties in conference play against ranked squads, including then-No. 7 Louisville (2-2) and No. 9 Virginia (1-1). 

The Terriers are 3-0 all-time against Syracuse, last earning a 3-2 OT home victory back in 2000. BU also won in 1979 (1-0) and 1978 (4-1).

Thursday's winner will advance to a second round matchup at No. 8 national seed New Hampshire on Sunday (Nov. 19).