Terriers to Return to Nickerson Field for Matchup with Holy Cross

By Akshai Wadhwani        September 27, 2017

BOSTON, MA  –  After a hard-fought scoreless draw against league rival Lehigh this past Saturday, the Boston University women’s soccer team will be hungry for a win in their third Patriot League fixture. Set to face Holy Cross at Nickerson Field on Wednesday evening, the Terriers (3-5-3 overall, 1-0-1 in conference play) are coming off a strong start to their league campaign. 

In their opening fixture they steamrolled American University 6-0, and the goalless match against Lehigh can be considered a solid result, taking into account that the Mountain Hawks are widely regarded as one of BU’s main competitors for this year’s league title. Thus, the hosts will hope to continue their good form against the Crusaders.

The Terriers have not lost a regular season Patriot League match since October 2014, and boast a 32-4-2 record since joining the conference four years ago. So far this season, they have outshot their opponents 136-118, averaging 12.4 shots per match with a SOG average of 0.404 and 1.18 goals per match. 

Contributions have come from all over the roster, with 20 Terriers posting shots and 17 recording goals or assists. Keep an eye out for Christina Wakefield – 3 goals, 1 assist – up front, Anna Heilferty – 2 goals, 1 assist, 16 shots – on the flanks, Julianna Chen – 2 goals – and Jesse Shreck – 1 goal, 2 assists – leading the high press from midfield, and center backs Rachel Bloznalis and Alivya Wimmer dominating on defense. 

Freshman goalkeeper Amanda Fay has played every minute since regular starter Hannah Ciolek came off injured in the last moments of the Terriers’ 1-0 loss to Marquette three weeks ago; having filled in the latter’s shoes admirably, it will be interesting to see how Fay will fair against yet another conference opponent.

Holy Cross (2-5-2 overall, 0-1-1 in conference play) will arrive at Nickerson Field in inconsistent form, displaying a D-W-L-L-D record over their last five matches. Their last outing was also a draw, a 1-1 result after the Crusaders conceded a late goal to Lafayette before extra time. The visitors will be led by Ang Seslija – 3 goals, 15 shots – Emily George – 1 goal, 2 assists – and Allie Neuman – 1 goal, 1 assist.

BU will fancy its chances, having won the last seven matchups between the two teams and holding an undefeated record in the series. Kickoff from Nickerson Field is set for 7 P.M.