There’s been no place quite like Nickerson Field for the Boston University men’s soccer team over the last two seasons. For whatever reason – certainly not fan support – the Terriers seem to rise to the occasion when playing at one of Boston’s most storied venues.
Following Wednesday’s 1-1 tie with the University of Hartford, BU (8-5-2, 2-1-2 America East) will put its 9-3-2 home mark since Aug. 2006 to the test Saturday when it hosts the first-place University of Maryland-Baltimore County (8-4-3, 3-1-1).
The surging Terriers enter the match playing their best soccer of the season, riding a five-game unbeaten streak since dropping a heartbreaking 2-1 conference opener at Binghamton University on Oct. 6. Thanks to its recent streak, BU has compiled the second-best point total (six) in the conference behind only the Retrievers (seven).
UMBC, which was picked to finish seventh in the preseason poll, has used stifling defense to nab the top spot in America East. Led by goalkeeper Steve King (0.52 GAA, .877 save percentage), the Retrievers have allowed eight goals this season. To complement their backs, the UMBC forwards and midfielders produce 1.40 goals per contest.
The Retrievers will attempt to quiet the Aaron O’Neal-led Terrier offense, which nets 1.48 scores per game in support of its own standout keeper, redshirt sophomore Joe Cullaro (0.72 GAA, .750 save percentage).
Since stepping in for the injured Hrafn Davidsson (1.10 GAA, .825 save percentage) two weeks ago, Cullaro (3-0-2) has sparked the Terriers to their most consistent play of the season. BU coach Neil Roberts said earlier this week that the timetable for Davidsson’s return is undetermined, and that the team will address the starting situation when Davidsson is deemed ready to play. Until then, the job is Cullaro’s to lose.
O’Neal, who notched the game-tying goal in the 84th minute Wednesday night, continues to impress in his freshman season. The Virginia native, who leads BU in goals (six) and scoring (15), has solidified a starting role due to junior forward Petur Sigurdsson’s chronic injuries.
On a team lacking proven scorers coming into the season, O’Neal has infused the Terriers with a prolific scoring touch. Roberts has praised the rookie as a quick learner all year, referring to O’Neal’s ability to make adjustments and apply those changes to his game performances.
The emerging conference Rookie of the Year candidate’s season is even more spectacular considering his place among America East’s offensive leaders. As of last night, O’Neal’s six goals and 15 points rank behind just one man: Binghamton star Cameron Keith (nine goals and 19 points).
