Men’s Soccer: Terriers fall to Colgate in Patriot League Semifinals

By Samantha Genzer

Boston University Men’s Soccer (4-4-10, 4-2-4 PL) suffered a tough 1-0 loss to Colgate (8-8-3, 5-3-2 PL) in the Patriot League Semifinals on Tuesday night at Nickerson Field, ending their hopes of a return to the championship.

BU, the defending Patriot League champions, entered the match as the No. 1 seed in the league, with Colgate seated at No. 4. Despite dominating possession and outshooting their opponents, the Terriers were unable to convert any of their opportunities into goals.

From the outset, the Terriers came out strong. Within the first ten minutes, the Terriers had an early corner kick by senior midfielder Daniel Kim and a missed header by graduate forward Aidan Bone.

The momentum was clearly in BU’s favor, but they struggled to find the back of the net. Sophomore midfielder Jason Zacarias sent a shot high in the 20th minute, signaling the team’s early frustration in breaking through Colgate’s defense.

In the 26th minute, the Raiders stunned the Terriers with a goal from Timmy Donovan, who netted his first of the season after slipping past BU’s defensive line and firing past graduate goalkeeper Andrew Wike.

BU Head Coach Kevin Nylen said Colgate’s goal was a “tough one for the group,” as it was the only chance Colgate was able to get a shot on goal.

“Even when you’re the better team, you can lose a game,” Nylen said.

The Raiders’ goal shifted the energy, but BU continued to press.

BU’s defense stepped up in the 38th minute when Colgate tried to capitalize on another chance. However, the Terriers’ backline pushed up, forcing the Raiders into an offside position and preventing any further damage.

The first half ended with BU trailing 1-0 despite another strong attempt from senior midfielder Kevin Torres, whose shot was blocked by Colgate’s defense.

In the second half, BU remained aggressive, but Colgate’s defense remained resolute.

The Terriers could not convert on several more chances, with Rived again shooting wide in the 56th minute, and a shot from junior defender Quin DeLaMater sailing high just two minutes later. Kim also had a shot saved by Colgate goalkeeper Oliver Townend in the 60th minute.

As the match became more physical, both sides committed several fouls, and Colgate’s Cason Stafford received a yellow card.

BU continued to press, with junior defender Ryan Lau sending a shot high in the 76th minute, followed by three back-to-back corner kicks that resulted in nothing for the Terriers.

In the 83rd minute, DeLaMater had another shot saved, and a header from junior forward Alex Bonnington off a corner kick missed wide.

A final attempt from senior midfielder Aidan Holmes in the 88th minute went high, and the game ended with a 1-0 scoreline in favor of Colgate.

Despite the loss, Nylen expressed pride in his team’s effort and resilience throughout the season.

“I tip my hat off to our group and to the nine seniors that have pushed our group forward since the day they came in here,” Nylen said. “Our program has been unbelievable in what these guys do every day to raise the bar and raise the level. It has been fun to watch.”

With their championship hopes dashed, the team will now take a well-deserved break before turning their focus to preparing for the upcoming season.

“Just because we lost a game in the semifinal, that doesn’t say who we are,” Nylen said. “It’s just one game, but at the same time, we got to be back and ready to go for next season.”