Men’s Soccer: Terriers set for nonconference finale against Northeastern

By: Akshai Wadhwani

BOSTON –  Coming off winless last weekend of play, Boston University men’s soccer must now refocus and turn its attention back to the nonconference front as they prepare to face Northeastern University at Nickerson Field on Tuesday evening.

The Terriers (3-7-3 overall, 2-2-1 in PL) were knocked down to sixth place in the Patriot League following a 3-1 loss to Loyola Maryland this past Friday. Now, they will have one last chance to improve on a 1-5-2 record outside league play, as Tuesday’s matchup will serve as the conclusion of their nonconference slate for this season.

BU has been outscored, 15-22, and outshot, 143-170, by opponents in 2018. Additionally, the scarlet and white maintain their trademark physical play, having committed 191 fouls with 26 yellow cards earned (both league-highs). Among those Terriers not currently stricken from the roster due to injury, Kari Petursson leads the way with two goals and three assists on the year. The Icelandic freshman is flanked by fellow midfielders T.J. Butzke and Toti Knutsson (three assists each). Senior Mike Bernardi has been the sole occupant in net for the past four matches, owning 43 stops with a .768 save percentage.

The Huskies of Northeastern (4-6-1 overall, 2-2-1 in the Central Atlantic Conference) have gone up and down in their past five matches, with a L-W-D-W-L pattern. Their most recent result arrived against Drexel on Saturday in the form of a 1-0 overtime loss.

Freshman Ryan Assoud leads the Huskies with four goals and a helper, while seniors Martin Nygaard (two goals, one assist) and Moustapha Samb (two goals) follow up in the second and third points slots. Sophomore Noah Abrams (21 saves, 1.05 goals against average, .750 save percentage) and freshman Chandler Cree (23 saves, 0.80 goals against average, .852 save percentage) have split time in net for the visitors and have combined for three shutouts.

The all-time series is quite domineering in favor of the Terriers. Owning a 21-7-2 record overall, BU has not lost to the Huskies since 2008. Last year, junior Matt McDonnell found net for the Terriers as the two sides battled to a 1-1 double overtime tie; the decision broke a streak of three straight victories for the scarlet and white.

Tuesday’s kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.