In a game that marked its third contest in six days, the Boston University men’s soccer team relied heavily on expansive depth Thursday in its 1-0 win over the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
The usual suspects, sophomore midfielder Anthony Viteri and sophomore midfielder David Amirani were relied upon heavily on both sides of the ball, but the Terriers’ (5-2-1, 0-0-1 Patriot League) depth was otherwise on full display.
In what marked BU’s strongest chance of the first half, freshman midfielder Troy Phoa conjured up a bit of magic in the 40th minute. The Auckland, New Zealand, native bested River Hawk (5-4) left back Guilherme Desousa on the dribble, and whipped a bending right-footed cross onto the head of BU senior forward Lucas McBride.
The veteran ultimately nodded his header narrowly wide, but the moment revealed the scope of BU coach Neil Roberts’ side.
“Our depth in the team is what really does it for us,” McBride said. “[It’s] the fact we have guys coming off the bench to replace our starters who are getting tired. So, a lot of starters don’t have to play a complete 90 minutes and we have guys who can keep the level high. Also, our recovery off the field with guys staying loose in between games and taking care of their bodies [makes a difference].”
Not missing a single beat, BU’s diversity was evident again in initial stages of the second half. Freshman midfielder Magnus Benediktsson, who previously only appeared in three contests, slid the ball into Amirani’s path in the 51st minute.
Amirani ultimately fired home a left-footed rocket from 20 yards out, but it was the Reykjavik, Iceland, native’s ingenuity and keen eye for a pass that orchestrated the attack.
As crucial as Phoa and Benediktsson’s offensive contributions were, Roberts decided not to experiment with his defense against the River Hawks. As has held true nearly all season, senior center back Jeroen Blugh provided lockdown defense and was greatly aided by his classmate and partner, Richie Robinson.
Meanwhile, as has become a hallmark of the 2015-16 season, junior goalkeeper Matt Gilbert dependably marshaled his defense and answered every time the River Hawks threatened. Opting for proven experience as opposed to depth, the Terriers earned their second shutout in three games and kept NSCAA All-East Region First Team forward Wuilito Fernandes quiet.
“I preach to the defense all the time that shutouts are big for us,” Gilbert said. “They give us confidence, especially in the back, where we’ve been hesitant sometimes. There’s a big trust factor back there and I really trust a big slew of guys back there. … It’s been coming together now, as we’ve now gotten two shutouts in three games.”
However, it is important to note that Roberts also made each personnel decision with a watchful eye on his team’s upcoming match. The Terriers’ have little time to rest on their laurels, as a pivotal Patriot League matchup against American University awaits Saturday afternoon.
Getting a result against the River Hawks was of the utmost importance, but keeping legs fresh and spirits high for their clash with the Eagles (6-3-1, 0-1 Patriot League) was undoubtedly a major factor.
“American might be the best in our conference this year and we’re really pumped to go down there and avenge a 3-1 loss from two years ago back down there,” Gilbert said. “So we’re excited by where we’re at.”
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.
