The Boston University women’s soccer team’s battle against United States Naval Academy ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday, allowing the Terriers to stay undefeated in Patriot League matchups.
The Terriers (2-7-4, 2-0-2 Patriot League) had an impressive offensive first half, with five corner kicks and six shots.
“I think keeping some dangerous attackers at play, keeping them quiet, trying to limit their set piece opportunities, were big keys,” said head coach Casey Brown. “I think those were challenges for us, but we mostly rose to it.”
Junior midfielder Giulianna Gianino immediately put on the pressure with a shot within the first two minutes of the game and totaling three corner kicks within the first 23 minutes. Gianino also racked up six of the 10 BU shots during the game, including two on goal.
Thirty-two minutes in, freshman forward Jaiden Schultz picked up her first collegiate goal with a top-left corner shot, assisted by freshman forward Juliana Osterman.
“She’s a really talented player, and she can always be knocking at the door,” Brown said of Schultz. “To see her finish today is massive for her, great for the team and hopefully something to really build on.”
Despite putting pressure on Navy (8-6-1, 2-1-1 PL), the Terriers succumbed to the opposition’s offense as Navy scored just minutes later. With the game tied, BU pushed through the rest of the half.
Navy freshman keeper Natasha Stramrood held up inside the net and made four saves to keep the team afloat.
“Navy is a very good team,” Brown said. “I have a lot of respect for them and how they play and compete.”
During the second half, Navy put more offensive pressure on BU and totaled seven shots. The physicality factor heightened for both teams with each totaling seven fouls in the second half alone.
“We probably had a little bit better in the first half, and [Navy was] a little bit more dangerous in the second,” Brown said. “But I liked the things we created, thought we kept them mostly quiet, and we want to be able to do more.”
While BU had some close calls near the end of the game, such as Navy sophomore forward Chiara Cosenza taking a shot and hitting the crossbar, the Terriers kept up with the pace and kept the score idle.
Although the outcome was not a win, the Terriers still have yet to fall during conference play.
BU will hit the road to play Lafayette College in another Patriot League showdown on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.
