Men’s soccer’s defensive corps remain strong despite loss to Brown

Even though the Boston University men’s soccer team fell to Brown University by a score of 1-0 Sunday night at Nickerson Field, the Terriers’ backfield once again served as the bright spot of the game, and in a larger scope, the season.

“I thought the defense played well,” said BU head coach Neil Roberts. “We’re not giving up a lot of chances in all four games. They’ve been really good for the most part, and they’ve really kept us in games.”

Boasting two shutouts in four games, BU’s (2-2) defense looks like it has the potential to be a dominant unit. Senior defender and reigning Corvias Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week Kelvin Madzongwe anchors a backline that has only let up two goals in four games. Entering his senior season, the captain is expected to take on a leadership role as he calls the shots from the back.

“Kelvin’s great,” Roberts said. “The defenders are doing great. They’re really doing a good job. I know it’s frustrating when you’re working hard and playing well and your offense isn’t doing much on the other side of the ball. We just have to get more out of them.”

Madzongwe was not as jubilant about the defense, as the Magwegwe, Zimbabwe, native said there is much room to improve.

“For the first 85 minutes, I thought we looked really good,” Madzongwe said. “And then, we just slept for some seconds, and then they got a goal. It’s just such a painful loss. It really is. We got so close, and then at the end, they scored and beat us. It just hurts.”

The defense has been solid in almost all aspects. However, they have been mediocre defending set plays. Both of the goals BU has yielded have come off set plays: one off a corner to Siena College and another off of a free-kick to Brown (1-1).

“It’s just a lack of focus,” Roberts said. “Whether it may be from fatigue or a lack of energy or whatever, we have to stay focused. We can’t slip up, because if we do, they score. They have been great all-around, but we can’t have any mind lapses. It hurt us last game and it hurt us again tonight.”

Disregarding set plays, the defense has truly looked outstanding. In their first four games, the Terriers have only allowed 36 shots on goal, contrary to their 64 shots. BU also shutout its first two opponents of the season, before allowing one goal in each of their past two games.

Despite how well the defense has played, the offensive woes have truly plagued the team.

“At the end of the day, we just have to score,” Roberts said. “We’re playing well, keeping possession, creating chances. We’re doing everything right for the most part, except finishing. We just have to finish.”

The defense carries a lot of promise going forward, but for this team to maintain its status as a top-25 team in the country, the offense must step up and perform. If the offense continues to sputter, BU’s season could dip into a tailspin.

“We just have to take it one game at a time,” Roberts said. “We’ll be fine. We got to work on a few things in practice, but we’ll be fine. I’m confident in our guys. I really like what I have seen so far.”