Terriers look to stay hot against Maine

The BU women’s soccer team looks to continue its strong play and make it 26 consecutive conference wins against the University of Maine on Thursday at Nickerson Field.

After struggling to put the ball in the back of the net, the Terriers have scored six goals in their last two games.

Thanks in part to the play of sophomore midfielder Ana Cuffia, sophomore forward Taylor Krebs and junior Forward Madison Clemons, it seems as though the Terriers have turned their scoring woes around.

BU coach Nancy Feldman stressed the growth of Cuffia and Krebs and their better understanding of the game as sophomores.

“Both Taylor and Ana love to penetrate, and they’ve had to learn how to be more patient in penetration,” Feldman said. “I think both Ana and Taylor have done a good job as sophomores of understanding how to use width in the attack.”

Their understanding of the game has shown, as both Cuffia and Krebs have made a huge impact on the outcomes of the last two games.

Cuffia has scored a goal in each of the last two games and Krebs has had four shots the last two games and one on goal.

Clemens has also played well these last two games, scoring a goal against North Carolina State University and recording two shots against the University at Albany.

All three players will be a crucial part of the team’s success as they continue conference play.

“We have to have a lot of possession. I think if we do that, and make them defend our shape,” Feldman said. “We get the ball out of the air, are able to move them. I think the game will flow our way.”

Having not lost a game since Sept. 7, the Black Bears are likely to come into this game with a lot of confidence.

The Black Bears are led by hcoach Scott Atherley, who is the schools all time-winningest coach.

Now in his 13th season, Atherley and the Black Bears have battled closely with the Terriers on many occasions.

Most notably, the Terriers defeated the Black Bears in the America East Championship last season, claiming a record fifth consecutive championship for BU.

Feldman said the team is “pretty geared and fired up to win the regular season championship. In order to do that, you have to bring your best game every conference game. Maine’s been a big rival.”

Ssophomore forward Jordan Pellerin and junior midfielder Nikki Misener currently lead the Black Bears attack.

Pellerin and Misener each lead the team with two goals and five points total.

It will be crucial for the BU defense to keep these two off the ball and away from penetration.

Perhaps the most potent part of the Black Bears game is the woman in front of the net, freshman goalkeeper Lauren Swant.

Swant has started all nine games for Maine, and has posted an impressive 1.19 goals-against average along with three shutouts.

Swant has already been named America East Rookie of the Week twice.

“We have to get the ball down on the ground on her,” Feldman said when asked about the keys to exploiting the two-time America East Rookie of the Week.

“She’s a big kid. She’s powerful. She’s good in the air. I think the key is penetrating in the box, and than getting her down on the ground by shooting and shooting low.”

The Terriers will need another big win to if they want to keep their chances alive for an at-large birth in the NCAA Tournament. They look to knock off a hot Maine team that has its eyes on revenge for last season’s America East Championship loss. First kick is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight.