One of the biggest questions surrounding the Boston University men’s soccer team in 2015 is undoubtedly how it will create offense, and it appears as though an answer has surfaced.
Sophomore midfielder Anthony Viteri, who joined the Terriers (1-1) this year as a transfer from St. John’s University in New York, was an offensive spark in their 3-2 defeat by Boston College on Monday.
Playing in front of a record 7,379 fans at Nickerson Field, the Flushing, New York, native finished with aplomb in the fifth minute when he capitalized on an Eagles (2-0) turnover. After reaping the rewards of some high pressure, Viteri dribbled towards BC’s goal and slid a collected finish under goalkeeper Cedric Saladin.
“[BU] coach [Neil Roberts] wanted us to press up on them in the first 10 to 15 minutes and I did that and just put it in the back of the net,” Viteri said of his initial score.
While the sophomore’s first tally of the season stood out, he emerged once again in the 43rd minute of the match. After receiving a deft ball from the center of the field, Viteri cut back onto his right foot and struck a bending shot towards the far post, only to be denied by a sprawling Saladin.
Due to moments like those, Roberts said he envisions Viteri potentially becoming a critical component of a continually evolving and diverse attack.
“We’re finding [ourselves],” Roberts said. “I think offensively we’re going to be a pretty good team. We’ve got to get some flank play, which we’re working on. I think in the middle Anthony and [freshman forward] T.J. Butzke will be fine.
“We’ve got to get someone up front that is going to hold the ball for us and be dangerous,” he added. “That’s what we’re looking for right now, some consistent flank play and who’s going to be that center forward that is going to hold the ball for us.”
Outside of Viteri’s two headline-grabbing moments, he was also a constant threat out of midfield and an outlet for the back line when it tried to build up possession. Whether it was a nifty turn to slip by an over-eager defender or a crunching challenge that allowed his team to advance forward, Viteri was a vital cog for Roberts’ side.
He finished the game with five shots total, two of which went on target. He was one of just five players to play a full 90 minutes, and he put the Eagles’ experienced defense under duress on multiple occasions.
Perhaps most importantly though, Viteri seldom looked like a transfer student who is still trying to get accustomed to his teammates’ tendencies. Instead, he seemed to be in sync with his midfield partners and appeared to have a grasp of Roberts’ system.
For a young Terrier team that is still trying to blend experience with youth, this could mean a bright future for BU as Patriot League competition slowly nears.
“I just switch the field, try to get everyone involved, and put the ball in the back of the net,” Viteri said. “That’s why Coach has me here.”
Jonathan's a New Englander who writes about sports, features and politics. He currently covers men's hockey at BU, worked as Sports Editor during the spring 2016 semester and is on the FreeP's Board of Directors. Toss him a follow on Twitter at @jonathansigal.
