Men’s Soccer: An unfortunate end turns Terriers’ heads to new season to come

By Jane Guay 

This past season was an unforgettable one for Boston University Men’s Soccer. While it didn’t end the way the Terriers wanted — after losing to Lehigh in the Patriot League Semifinal Nov. 11 — the season still showcased plenty of positives and set the stage for an exciting next chapter as BU looks to the next season.  

The Terriers had a questionable ending to their regular season, where the gap between their win-loss record continued to shorten. Still, the Terriers delivered an exciting game Nov. 8, defeating Bucknell 3-1 on Nickerson Field.

Although the Terriers’ No. 4 seed gave them home field advantage over the No. 5 Bison, BU kept its net empty after scoring the first goal at the 1:45 mark, proving much about the team’s defensive ability so early in the Patriot League Tournament. 

While facing Lehigh in what would become BU’s final game of the season, the Terriers held the Mountain Hawks to only one goal — made off the foot of a Terrier in the 54th minute. 

The Terriers struggled offensively in the final game of the tournament, which also was a consistent problem throughout the entire season.

Flashback to late September to early October, where BU recorded a win streak of four: The Terriers came out on top against Bucknell, Harvard, Loyola Maryland and Colgate — all within two weeks. Senior midfielder Ethan Gill shined in this period, contributing to his seven goals throughout the season — the most goals he scored while playing in college. 

“He’s been huge,” said Head Coach Kevin Nylen of Gill. “He was a big part of what we did this year, not just because of his seven goals but his experience, his understanding of the league, his soccer IQ, his soccer desire and drive.” 

Gill transferred from Holy Cross to play for his senior year at BU, making this his first year playing in the Patriot League Tournament.

“I’m really over the moon and full of joy for him and what he was able to accomplish individually and, by extension, obviously [how he] helped the team this past season,” Nylen said. 

Eleven seniors currently make up the 28-player roster, creating a huge gap as the team looks into next season. 

New leadership will be emerging — especially with goalkeeper Sheraz Saadat graduating. Saadat was the starting goalkeeper for half of this past season’s games and proved himself defensively in 2024 after only starting in three games. 

As he finished the season with a save percentage of 74.5% — a nearly 8% increase from last season — Saadat has shown growth in his individual skills, but also the team’s overall strategic defensibility. 

“To see how he has improved and matured in front of your eyes on the field … [we’re] really happy for the work that he put in,” Nylen said. “He was massive for us this past season.” 

Multiple injuries arose throughout the season, and Nylen said Saadat’s initiative to step up paid off.

“He took his opportunity, ran with it and was phenomenal for us,” Nylen said.

The team’s losses among the seniors extend to the attack as well. Alex Bonnington, who had a standout performance in the Patriot League Tournament, is graduating. For his third year playing with the Terriers, Bonnington finished off with three goals this season — two of which came from the team’s win against Bucknell in the tournament. 

Although the team’s roster will look different next year, several star players remain — like Andrea Di Blasio, Sebastian Otero and Pharis Petrica. 

Junior forward Di Blasio proved to be a reliable attacking threat this season, finishing the regular year with five goals and one assist. Freshman midfielder Otero was clutch in big moments: All three of his goals this season were game-winners, including a 30-yard strike against Loyola Maryland. Petrica also played a key offensive role, racking up three goals and seven assists during the season, making him one of BU’s top playmaking midfielders.

“What I do know is that we have a great group of men coming back who have gained valuable experience this past year,” Nylen said.

Along with the returning stars, Nylen said they have a solid group of freshmen set to come in next fall.

With the Terriers graduating a large senior class, Nylen said the next few months will reveal which returning players rise into larger roles. 

“I’m excited to see the unknown of the leadership,” said Nylen. “We have a group of leaders within our program here and now. How do they find their voice and evolve?” 

Ultimately, Nylen said, everything begins in the locker room — and with a strong core returning, he said he is confident BU will remain a top team. 

“What’s a far way away in terms of the fall season, but before you know it, we’ll be back in getting ready for preseason,” Nylen said.