Women’s Soccer: Terriers Secure Victory with 1-0 Win Over Bucknell

By Samantha Genzer

Boston University Women’s Soccer (4-7-5, 4-0-3 PL) earned a home win on Sunday afternoon against Patriot League opponent Bucknell (9-4-2, 5-2-0 PL). With this win, the Terriers continue to build momentum as the season progresses, further solidifying their standing in the Patriot League.

The match remained scoreless until late in the first half when freshman forward Juliana Osterman broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. After a well-placed pass from sophomore midfielder Kaiya Stewart, Osterman sent a precise shot past Bucknell goalkeeper Jess Benattar for her first goal of the season.

“It was just awesome to be surrounded by my awesome teammates and to celebrate with them afterward,” Osterman said. “I have been waiting for this moment, and it’s nice to finally feel it, especially in a big game like today.”

The goal came at a critical point in the match, giving the Terriers a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

“[Osterman has] been super consistent and spark off the bench for us, and talk about a goal to remember,” Assistant Coach Megan Burke said. “I’m really proud of her.”

As the second half commenced, BU entered with a defensive mindset, aiming to maintain their lead. Burke said “game management” was the focus for the team in the second half.

Bucknell quickly asserted themselves, earning a corner kick just six minutes into the half. Teresa Deda delivered the corner, and moments later, her shot tested BU’s freshman goalkeeper Bridget Carr, who showcased her quick reflexes with a crucial save, keeping the Bison scoreless and earning her second shutout of the season.

“[Carr] got her first shutout last game, and so obviously she’s feeling very confident,” Burke said. “To get another one today, [it was] well-deserved, and I’m glad as a collective we were able to get that.”

BU’s defense, anchored by Carr and bolstered by junior midfielder Mackenzie Stickelman and sophomore forward Samantha Aronson, withstood several Bucknell attacks, including a wide shot from Riley Hayes in the 58th minute.

As the match progressed, the physicality intensified. In the 78th minute, Hayes received a yellow card for a foul.

Senior forward Morgan Fagan nearly doubled the lead with a shot in the 88th minute that forced another save from Benattar.

Despite not capitalizing on two corner kicks in the 88th and 89th minute, the Terriers’ 1-0 lead remained intact as the final whistle blew.

“It was such a strong performance out of them,” Burke said. “They showed a lot of confidence on the ball. We were all together and collected in our backline.”

The Terriers look to continue their winning streak as they head to Washington, D.C., on Saturday for a match-up against American University, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.