The Boston University men’s soccer team was picked to finish second in the conference’s preseason coaches’ poll. Some early season losses made that prediction seem unlikely, but after stringing together a six-game unbeaten streak, the Terriers finally claimed the second spot for themselves after knocking off the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, 2-1, on Saturday.
The Terriers (9-5-2, 3-1-2 America East), winners of five of their last six, have averaged just under two goals per game during that stretch, and they have still not surrendered a multi-goal game in more than a month.
Junior forward Neil Hlavaty, who has fueled the Terriers’ offensive success of late, scored BU’s second goal in the 56th minute by placing a free kick from the top of the 18-yard box just under the crossbar. Hlavaty moved into third on the team in scoring behind Shaun Taylor, who scored BU’s first goal, and freshman forward Aaron O’Neal.
“Neil is definitely the leader in the midfield,” said BU coach Neil Roberts. “He is the guy that dictates what’s going on. That’s why he is so key for us. He knows how to slow things down and when to pick things up.”
Hlavaty has paced a Terrier front that has forced more than 15 turnovers per game in each of its first five contests. Recording fewer than 13 turnovers in each of their last three games, The Terriers have outshot and possessed the ball much more than their opponents.
“We moved the ball well and created some good opportunities just like we’ve been doing.,” Roberts said.
Saturday’s game also marked the return of opening-day starting goalie Hrafn Davidsson, who had been sidelined with a foot injury for the past three weeks. Although he only stopped one of two shots, his strength came in his ability to lead the defense, Roberts said.
“Hrafn was still a little rusty in spots,” Roberts said. “But he trained well all week and was ready to go. His ankle was about 95 percent, so he was ready to play. The defense has stepped it up a notch and they continued that with Hrafn back in the lineup.”
With just two conference games left before the conference tournament, BU, if it wins out, will need Binghamton to drop both of its remaining contests against the University of Vermont (5-9-2, 2-2-2) and Stony Brook University (9-6-2, 3-3-1) for the Terriers to gain a first-round bye in the America East.