After going three games without scoring a goal, the Terriers have looked strong offensively, scoring six goals in their last two games, winning 3–1 against North Carolina State University and the University at Albany.
It was a tough stretch for the Terriers to end the non-conference season, but things have dramatically turned around since their 1–0 loss to the University of Massachusetts on Sept. 14.
After a scoreless first half against NC State, junior midfielder Megan McGoldrick ended BU’s scoring drought in the 50th minute when she converted on a penalty kick.
“There’s no question it builds confidence,” said BU coach Nancy Feldman. “It’s a certain something we needed after being shut out a few games.”
Sophomore midfielder Ana Cuffia and junior forward Madison Clemens added to the scoring barrage later in the second half, helping the Terriers to a 3–1 win.
BU outshot the Wolfpack 16–8 in the effort, showing that they were not just opportunists, but they were consistently creating offensive pressure.
After ending the non-conference season with a blowout win, the Terriers looked to continue their strong offensive play against the University of Maine.
In a performance similar to their win over NC State, the Terriers capitalized on their scoring chances and utilized their depth and experience.
After falling behind early, senior Brea Hewitt came off the bench in the 29th minute and scored right away to tie the game 1–1.
“That was huge. Brea adds an element that is special. She is very very quick, and she’s also not only just quick, but strong. Strong on her feet. Strong on the ball. She’s tenacious. She’s got a great mentality,” Feldman said. “It was a huge for a team to score a goal in the first half after letting up a bad goal in the beginning of the game.”
Sophomore midfielder Dara DeMatteo added to the success, scoring her first collegiate goal to give the Terriers a 2–1 lead.
Cuffia later scored her second goal in as many games when she connected with a cross sent from Junior Emma Clark.
The Terriers finished the game outshooting Albany 18–1 and dominating Great Danes in every major statistical category.
“Attacking players feel like when they shoot they can score. They can see goals, picture goals and visualize goals,” Feldman said.“That’s really, really important for confidence.”
Sophomore Cuffia making big plays in big moments
Cuffia started off the season slow, scoring only one goal in her first nine games. But since the 1–0 loss to UMass, Cuffia has turned things around and has scored a goal in each of her last two games.
Not only is Cuffia tied for the team lead in goals, but she also leads the team in points, and game-winning goals.
Cuffia has also found the scoresheet with an assist, showing that she does not need to be the one finishing the play to have an impact on the offense.
“She’s diversified her attack. Last couple of games she’s scored some big goals. The big goals she’s scored are from getting around the edge,” Feldman said. “That’s where you can see the most growth in her.”
Cuffia’s play will be key to the Terriers’ success down the stretch and into conference play.
While the conference results will not factor into an NCAA tournament appearance, she has hit a stride entering play against the team’s most familiar opponents.
If the Terriers hope to win a sixth consecutive American East regular season championship and get a possible at-large birth in the NCAA Tournament, Cuffia will have to keep up the strong play.
Green continues to shine
Junior goalkeeper Andrea Green has continued her strong play this season, with two more excellent games against NC State and Albany.
Posting a 1.01 goals-against average, along with a .807 save percentage and three shutouts, Green’s play has been a vital part of the Terriers’ success this season.
Green has started every game so far this season, and until she was pulled at halftime against NC State, had played every minute of every game.
Replacing Green at halftime was freshman goalkeeper Alyssa Parisi, who made two saves while allowing one goal in 45 minutes of playing time.
While Parisi did not have a terrible showing in her first in-game action of the season, Green’s position as starting goalkeeper seems safe for the moment.
Her strong play should continue as the Terriers’ offense shows signs of life heading into conference play.
Looking ahead
Looking to stay hot, the Terriers run into a good University of Maine team, which has not lost since Sept. 7, and is looking to avenge last year’s 2–1 loss to BU.
The Terriers play Maine this Thursday at Nickerson Field. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The team’s win over Albany marked the beginning of a nine-game stretch in which the team will only be facing off eight against America East opponents.
The only team that BU is facing that does not play in the America East is Dartmouth College, which is the second-to-last game of the regular season.
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