Men’s soccer looking to keep hot streak alive against Army

The Boston University men’s soccer team will look to continue its four-game unbeaten streak when it takes on the United States Military Academy Saturday afternoon at Nickerson Field.

The Terriers (5-2-1, 1-0-0 Patriot League) have not dropped a contest since Sept. 7, with the team’s most recent victory being a 2-1 win over the United States Naval Academy on Saturday. The Black Knights (3-3-3, 0-1-0 Patriot League) on the other hand, have been playing mediocre ball, having lost two out of their last three games.

“I really enjoy the way we’ve been playing the past few games,” said BU coach Neil Roberts. “Our defense continues to play exceptional, and our offense is getting just enough. We’ve definitely squeezed by some teams. But we need to get better if we want to keep winning.”

The Black Knights are coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to Bucknell University on a set piece on Saturday. Army will look to rebound against a Terrier team that has subpar on offense. BU stands sixth in the Patriot League in shots, goals and points — a collection of stats that Roberts said have not been up to his standards.

“We know we haven’t played to our potential [on offense],” he said. “We know we have to get better, but I feel like we’re getting there, I really do. The guys have definitely been playing better as of late. But we know our offense needs to pick up because our defense can’t hold us forever. But I got a feeling they will.”

The Terriers will continue to rely on the play of senior forward Dominique Badji, who is second in the league in goals with four in eight games.

Army’s offense has been in rough shape this season, as the Black Knights rank eighth in both goals and points and fifth in shots.

Both offenses will have a mighty task on their hands, as the Terriers and the Black Knights boast two of the best defenses in the league. The teams are tied for goals allowed (six), while Army leads the league in goals against average and shutouts (five).

Goalkeeper Winston Boldt leads the way for the Black Knights’ defense, while senior goalie Nick Thomson is quietly having a dominant season.

“They’ve got a great keeper behind them,” Roberts said. “He’s having a tremendous year, keeping them in games, doing whatever he can. But we’ve got a pretty good one behind us too. And he’s showing everyone how much he’s progressed, by having by far his best year so far. It’ll definitely be fun to watch.”

The Terriers are also aided by the presence of senior defender Kelvin Madzongwe. Madzongwe leads a dominant backline that looks better and stronger every game, and paired with Thomson, makes a devastating duo for the Terriers.

“I have full confidence in both of them,” Roberts said. “They have both played lights out. They have really kept us in games for the most part, whether it’s Kelvin making game-saving tackles or Nick saving one-on-one’s, they have both been incredible. Now it’s time for our offense to step it up.”