Women’s Soccer: Terriers get an important win on a cold night at Holy Cross

By Finley Rogan

Boston University Women’s Soccer (3-7-5, 3-0-3 PL) lost 3-0 to the Holy Cross Crusaders (5-9-1, 2-3-1 PL) Wednesday night in Worcester.

“We impressed on both sides of the ball,” BU assistant coach Megan Burke said.

The Terriers entered the night winless in their last three games.

BU got off to an explosive start, as junior striker Margy Porta slotted home her seventh goal of the season on a rebound. The Terriers led 1-0 four minutes in.

Overall, the Terriers were in control throughout the opening minutes. Through the rest of the second half, neither team had the clear advantage. On a cold night in Worcester, the style of play from both sides was choppy and physical.

BU freshmen goaltender Bridget Carr had three saves in the first half, however, none were too challenging thanks to the Terriers stout defensive effort.

The Terriers entered the second half looking to further assert themselves and add some insurance to their lead.

They did just that extending their lead off a free-kick into the box in the 50th minute. The ball in was deflected around the goaltender where junior midfielder Mackenzie Stickelman found it to slot in BU’s second goal. Junior forward Margy Porta was once again involved as she picked up the assist.

The Terriers were able to find success immediately in each half of play, as they scored within the first five minutes of both periods.

“One of our goals tonight was to come out really hard, come out tough, and that’s exactly what we did,” Burke said.

Although BU freshman goalie Bridget Carr did not make any challenging saves, she consistently had to interject into play and handle the ball. She played with a composure which eased her defense.

Holy Cross nearly converted on a back-post cross in the 74th minute but nobody was home to finish the play. Creating chances with great passes but failing to be on the other end was a theme of the night for the Crusaders. They consistently tested the Terrier defense yet it was never too menacing.

In the 77th minute, BU junior forward Giulianna Gianino crossed the ball in where it found sophomore forward Kat Slott who slotted it home for the Terriers.

BU would go on to win the game 3-0 and remain undefeated in the Patriot League. On a night where the match was delayed and the wind was blowing, the Terriers put in a professional performance and never really looked like the inferior team.

It was also the first career clean sheet for Terrier freshman goalie Bridget Carr who was continued to impress this season.

“That is massive for her,” Burke said. “The team is pumped for her and that is something we were all really striving for.”

The Terriers will look to keep their undefeated Patriot League campaign going as they will take on a challenging opponent in Bucknell, at 1p.m. on sunday at Nickerson Field.