They might be tied for fourth place, but the Boston University men’s soccer team is still the team to beat in America East. Once ranked No. 19 in the nation, the Terriers dropped off the national board after a short skid at home. Now that the focus is solely on conference play however, teams are trying to step on the Terriers’ heads while they’re still in the middle of the pack.
BU tied its first conference game (1-1) against the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, and it was a traditional affair throughout. Is this a sign of things to come for the Terriers, or will they see some more aggressive attacks?
“The [America East] teams are going very defensive,” said BU coach Neil Roberts. “Teams are playing very conservative, I don’t know if that’s just against us or against everyone.”
The Terrier defense has been holding strong all season, but despite creating a number of opportunities, the offense has been unable to convert on a regular basis. With opponents coming into matches with defensive game plans, BU might not get as many chances as they have been against non-conference foes.
“We always have to play well defensively, the strength of our team is defense,” Roberts said. “Now we’re working on finishing, working on our set plays”
BU has not scored more than once in any of its last seven games, but neither has its opponents. Since the scoring went into the single-goal-rut, the Terriers are 3-1-3. Not horrible, but they aren’t getting the points they could get for wins. Knowing this, how does Roberts think other teams will prepare for the Terriers?
“It’s up to them to figure that out,” Roberts said. “You expect them to think we are a very good team and we are.”
After a three game home stand in which they went 1-1-1, the Terriers looked like they were settling into being a defensive, grinding team themselves, but that’s not how Roberts sees them.
“We want to play an attractive attacking style no matter who we play,” Roberts said.
That attractive style still hasn’t attracted the people to the Nickerson bleachers, no matter where the Terriers are ranked.
“It’s disappointing,” Roberts said. “We’re winning and we hope to attract people that enjoy soccer. It gives you a real home field advantage. It makes it more enjoyable for our players.”
Roberts would not only like to see more support in the seats, but with more and more collegiate teams broadcasting their games on television, would like to have Terrier soccer going through the cables as well. Whether they are on the tube or not, Roberts knows that all they can do is keep winning games, and try to win them with a little style.
“We want to play a game that people want to come pay to see,” Roberts said. “We can only deal with what we can control. We try to put a good product out there and hope people come out and appreciate it.”
BU isn’t on top of the America East standings, but don’t expect the team to be content with its place. In a longer season, the weaker teams tend to get weeded out in the standings. The Terriers only get the chance to play each team once, making each match equally important.
With a week off to rest any aches and pains and to work on their offense, the boys in scarlet and white should be ready for any style the upcoming opponents plan to throw at them.
The Terriers return to the confines of Nickerson Field to host Binghamton, this Saturday at 7 p.m.