Boston University Women’s Soccer Outlasts Providence, 2-1
By: Matt Doherty
BOSTON — Four days after defeating Hofstra 2-1 in their home opener, the Boston University Women’s Soccer team continued their winning ways by outlasting the Providence College Friars 2-1 on Thursday night at Nickerson Field.
The Terriers (2-4-2) came out of the gate strong, attacking on all cylinders. The constant pressure early on led to the first goal of the evening when freshman McKenna Doyle broke through the defense and scored past the diving goalkeeper. The goal was set up by a beautiful one-two passing play with fellow forward Christina Wakefield. BU dominated for the rest of the first half, leading in just about every offensive category.
“Well what we did well was we started the game well and had charge of it for most of the first half,” said Terriers’ Head Coach Nancy Feldman. “We scored first, it’s always nice to score first.”
However, the Terriers were unable to carry that momentum over to the second half. The lack of energy led to Providence equalizing 15 minutes into the frame. After the Terrier back line failed to clear the ball, Providence senior Lauren Elia collected the ball and sent a curling strike to the top left corner, knotting the game at 1-1.
The Terriers, who have played in a lot of tight matches this season used experience to rebound after the goal.
“I thought our response to them scoring was very positive. With a lot of young players we did that very well,” Feldman said.
A reinvigorated BU side playing with a renewed energy paid dividends in the 71st minute. Rachel Bloznalis sent one of Boston University’s nine corner kicks into the box. Although the ball was redirected out, Erin Neville was there to cross the ball back into the box. Providence goalkeeper, Krystin Shea who had recorded two saves earlier in the game, tried to punch the ball out of the box, but instead it ended up in the back of the net giving the Terriers a 2-1 advantage.
“We got Bloz’ [Bloznalis] on the corner and she hit a bigger ball, we weren’t getting big service on the corner before she stepped up,” said Feldman. Erin [Neville] can serve the heck out the ball and that’s how it happened. We were motivated and put the pedal to the metal.”
The Terriers finished the game winning every offensive category including a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal and an impressive 9-0 in corner kicks. Senior goalie Alyssa Parisi had two saves on the evening.
Coming into the game, Coach Feldman highlighted the importance of stopping the Friars’ (6-3-0) two-star forwards, Catherine Zimmerman and Rachel Ugolik. She commented after the game how big the defense came up to minimize these stars touches.
“That’s our philosophy; one, keep the ball on our side of the field, and two, defend as much as we can on their side of the field and put them under pressure and not let their offensive personnel get touches.”
The Terriers will look to extend their win streak to three games when they begin Patriot League play, hosting Bucknell on Sunday at 2:00 PM in the final game of the home stand.