The Boston University men’s soccer team battled its way to a No. 14 national ranking this week behind two consecutive 3-0 shutouts. The Terriers look to continue that winning streak against regional rival Harvard University at Ohiri Field Friday.
The Terriers (2-0-1) received well-deserved national recognition for knocking off non-conference opponent, the then-No. 12 University of Connecticut in a blowout, 3-0, Sept. 5.
They followed up that win with another 3-0 massacre against Providence College Sept. 7.
The Crimson (2-0-0) should take notice of a BU team that returns all of the major players who took part in last year’s 5-1 rout of Harvard at Nickerson Field.
‘Historically, we’ve gone back and forth,’ BU men’s soccer coach Neil Roberts said. ‘Last year it went well. But they’re good and you don’t know this year. It’s always difficult to play over there.’
Roberts said he recognizes that Harvard’s aggressive style could put a lot of pressure on the Terriers’ defense, which has not been tested much in their last few contests. University of Connecticut only had six shots on goal against the Terriers. Providence College had just two. BU’s back line should expect to see more shots on goal against a Harvard team that already has six goals this season and averages 14.5 shots per game.
Senior Andre Akpan, a preseason College Soccer News All-American who now has two goals and three assists, will lead the way for the Crimson.
‘Our three defenders will have their hands full unless we get help from the midfield,’ Roberts said.
Junior Matthew Shea leads the Terriers’ defensive unit this year. Shea has started every game for the Terriers since his freshman year at BU. During his tenure, the junior has helped his team to 17 shutouts.
Senior Hrafn Davidsson has backed up the Terriers’ defense with solid play in goal. He has 14 saves this season and has only allowed one goal.
BU’s offense has outscored its opponents 7-1 so far this season. Junior Aaron O’Neal has four of those goals, as many as he had scored in his entire career at BU.
The Crimson will also have to worry about sophomore Michael Bustamante, who put on a show against Providence with his pure athletic prowess, and senior Samuel Appiah, who has a goal and an assist this season. Both players put up goals against Harvard in last year’s game.
The Terriers may also be in danger of looking past a threatening Harvard team to the looming challenge against what is generally considered the best team in the country, St. John’s University. But Roberts said it is not a possibility.
‘I don’t think so,’ Roberts said. ‘So far, we’ve worried about what’s on hand for the day, whether it’s practice or a game.’
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