Women’s Soccer: Terriers disappoint current America East champions New Hampshire 2-1

By Tyler Davis

Boston University (3-3-2) defeated University of New Hampshire (3-3-1) in their final game before the start of conference play.

“We knew we were going to be the better team and get that score,” BU midfielder Giulianna Gianino said postgame.

The Terriers started the first half off strong with forward Morgan Fagan immediately applying pressure to the defensive line of the Wildcats. So far this season, Fagan holds one point for an assist against UAlbany. 

The Wildcats immediately returned pressure with a shot, which was easily claimed by goalkeeper Celia Braun. Braun made her first claim just under two minutes from the start of the game. Braun has started in every game this season, attaining a save percentage of 75.6%.

The first corner of the match was taken by the Terriers at 7:31 by Giulianna Gianino, but it was cleared away for a second corner that was claimed by UNH goalkeeper Sally Rainey.

Despite the Terrier’s strong and constant pressure, the Terriers gave away a free kick, which was easily claimed by Celia Braun within the 18-yard box. The Terrier’s strong possession and momentum was interrupted around 15 minutes into the game due to a weather delay.

“There’s a lot of adversity when a game gets chopped up like that,” BU head coach Casey Brown said. “We had the momentum; we wanted to regain that as soon as the whistle blew.”

After a 45-minute weather delay, the Terriers came back strong, continuing their pressure on the Wildcat back line. The Terriers had multiple big chances, but ultimately could not capitalize enough, and came out the first half with a 0-0 tie.

Coming into the second half, the Terriers continued their strong momentum, which earned them a goal at 47:27 by midfielder Natalie Godoy, which was assisted by midfielder Kaiya Stewart. It was Godoy’s second goal of the season and Stewart’s first assist of her collegiate career.

Shortly after the first goal, the Terriers were hungry for a second one after claiming a free kick right outside the 18-yard box. However, the resulting kick went just wide of the post.

Midway through the second half, the Wildcats started to gain momentum with multiple big chances, one of which was shot from outside the box. But Braun made an incredible save, pushing the ball above the crossbar.

Not long after Braun’s big save, the Terriers scored on a 19-yard free kick. Giulianna Gianino was able to put it away in the bottom left corner, giving the Terriers a 2-0 lead at 74:02.

Despite Meghan Guarente scoring for the Wildcats at 81:13, it was still not enough for UNH, leaving the Terriers with an exciting result.

“I’m really proud of the team,” Brown said. “I thought the quality on the field was great.”

The Terriers will now prepare for their first conference game against Loyola Maryland Saturday at 1 p.m. 

In just her second year as head coach, Brown, a former Terrier herself, said she hopes to continue to lead her team to success. 

“I love it here, I’m a Terrier through and through,” she said.