Men’s Soccer: BU Faces American in Patriot League Semi Finals

By: Alex Greenberg

The Boston University men’s soccer team begins postseason play against American University in the semifinals of the 2015 Patriot League Tournament in Hamilton, New York.

The Terriers finished the regular season 12-4-2, securing back-to-back 12-win season for the first time since 1994. Three BU players also claimed major Patriot League awards for their contributions this campaign.

Matt Gilbert won the Patriot League’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Gilbert’s .828 save percentage was best in the Patriot League and 15th best in the country.

Senior David Asbjornsson was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, while his fellow Icelandic international Magnus Benediktsson won the league’s Rookie of the Year award.

BU also had six players earn All-Patriot League honors. Felix De Bona, Anthony Viteri, Asbjornsson, and Gilbert were named to the All-Patriot League First Team. The Terriers have more representatives on the first team than any other school in the league. Benediktsson and senior midfielder Richie Robinson were elected to the third team.

The Terriers will face an American team that hasn’t lost since they were defeated by BU 1-0 on October 3rd in Washington D.C. The Eagles beat Army 4-1 in Tuesday’s Patriot League Quarterfinals. American had eight of their own players earn All-Patriot League honors, with Panos Nakhid, Dale Ludwig, and Liam Robley representing the Eagles on the first team.

Felix De Bona scored the winning goal in the fourth minute, and Matt Gilbert recorded eight saves, the last time these two teams met. If BU are to advance to the Patriot League Championship Game they’ll need the best from their starting keeper and striker.

The winner of this semifinal will take on either host’s Colgate or Lehigh in the Championship game on Sunday. Kickoff between BU and American is set for 7:00 PM and can be watched on the Patriot League Network.