Men’s Soccer: No. 4 Terriers Gear Up for First Round Playoff Match Against No. 5 Bucknell

By Matthew Wuschke

Boston University Men’s Soccer (9-7, 5-4 PL) are set to face the defending champion Bucknell Bison (9-3-5, 4-2-3 PL) at home on Saturday. The Terriers enter the first-round Patriot League showdown as the No. 4 seed, with Bucknell just behind at No. 5. 

The two teams have a 5-3-6 record dating back to 2016. BU has been on a hot streak against the Bison, winning four of the last matchups dating back to 2022. The Terriers have a 3-2-2 home record against Bucknell, hoping to add another one on Saturday. 

The Terriers are powered by senior midfielder Ethan Gill, who has 13 points on six goals and one assist; sophomore midfielder Pharis Petrica, also with 13 points from three goals and seven assists; and junior forward Andrea Di Blasio, who has contributed 11 points, five goals and one assist. 

BU has been a strong offensive team this year, ranking first in scoring throughout the league.

The Terriers have a stout and tireless defense, having three defensemen notching more than 900 minutes played throughout the season. The defense is also supported by 2024 Patriot League Midfielder of the Year Diego Rived, who has logged a team high 1168 minutes.

The main question for BU is which senior goalkeeper they will start going into this game. Ben Alexander started the season off strong for the Terriers, but the starting role was slowly transitioned to Sheraz Saadat. 

Both started seven games this season — Alexander holds a 3-4 record with a 67% save percentage, while Saadat holds a 5-2 record with a 74% save percentage.

Saadat helped lead BU to a 3-2 victory against Bucknell on Sept. 29, making his career high in saves with nine on 18 shots faced.

On the other side of the turf, the Bison trail the Terriers in scoring average, coming in a close second place. Bucknell is also a strong defensive team — only allowing an average of one goal per game, tying for third in the conference. 

Forward Drew Roskos powers the Bison offense with 15 points on seven goals and one assist. Midfielder Jack Lucas also leads the offensive at 13 points, five goals and three assists. 

Goalkeeper Freddie Lapworth will be in net for Bucknell, who had a 1.19 average goals allowed throughout the season on a 71% save percentage. Lapworth has a 8-3-4 record with the Bison this year.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Nickerson Field and will be available to watch on ESPN+.