Men’s Soccer: Terriers look for Turnpike Trophy win

By: Liam O’Brien

BOSTON, MA  –  Almost a year after being bounced from the Patriot League tournament by Holy Cross, the Boston University men’s soccer team is set for revenge against the Crusaders (2-3-4, 1-0-1) in Wednesday’s upcoming Turnpike Trophy clash.

The conference semifinal tilt that took place last fall was an instant classic, as Holy Cross edged the Terriers in penalty kicks after neither team was able to notch a goal during regulation and overtime. The defeat marked a rare occurrence, as the Terriers had not lost to the Crusaders since 2013. Last season BU handled their in-state rivals with ease at Nickerson Field in a 3-0 victory.

This time around, the Crusaders are coming in with some confidence, having not lost a game in regulation since September 5. They also have yet to drop a conference game, beating Navy, 2-1, in overtime on September 23 before tying Lafayette, 1-1, last Saturday.

Statistically speaking, however, this Holy Cross team is nothing special. The Crusaders’ goals per game average of 1.11 ranks seventh in the Patriot League, while their goals against average of 1.44 is sixth in the league. Their scoring margin of minus three paints the picture of a mediocre team that has overachieved at the beginning conference play.

BU’s margin of minus six is twice as poor, but the Terriers have performed better as of late. The team began the Patriot League slate with a 2-1 win over American before succumbing to narrow one-goal defeats against Brown and Lehigh in their last two outings.

Over these last three games, junior midfielder Satchel Cortet has scored twice and senior midfielder T.J. Butzke has accounted for a pair of assists. If BU can continue to get solid offensive production out of their midfield, they should be able to exceed the 1.3 goals per game they have been averaging and take home the Turnpike Trophy.

Kickoff for Wednesday’s match is set for 7 p.m.