{"id":27820,"date":"2021-09-20T18:44:28","date_gmt":"2021-09-20T22:44:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/?p=27820"},"modified":"2021-09-20T18:50:39","modified_gmt":"2021-09-20T22:50:39","slug":"mens-soccer-late-matulis-strike-carries-terriers-over-navy-in-patriot-league-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/2021\/09\/20\/mens-soccer-late-matulis-strike-carries-terriers-over-navy-in-patriot-league-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Men’s Soccer: Late Matulis strike carries Terriers over Navy in Patriot League opener"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Cameron Meyer<\/em><\/p>\n

The Boston University men\u2019s soccer team (1-4-1, 1-0-0 PL) got the best of Navy (5-1-1, 0-1-0 PL) on Saturday at Nickerson Field to begin their Patriot League campaign. A late, long-range strike by junior midfielder Quinn Matulis was the decisive goal for the Terriers, who went on to win 1-0.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like in many of BU\u2019s games this season, a single goal determined the result. This match, however, marked the first time a one-goal difference went in favor of the home side. Even after battling to a goal advantage in the first half away to Boston College and taking St. John’s University to overtime, the Terriers came into this matchup without a single win, their record standing 0-4-1.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObviously we came into this game knowing that we didn’t have a win yet, but when you look closer, they’re all super close games,” Matulis said following the game. “We had really good moments, so we knew it was only a matter of time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Midshipmen contrarily held an 5-0-1 record going into their Patriot League opener, being one of only 17 teams left undefeated in the NCAA. Sophomore forward Sydney Paris and senior forward Jacob Williams had been particularly proficient in their winning campaign, with Williams ranking third in the nation in shots per game.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the better part of the first half, the Midshipmen\u2019s attacking efficiency continued, enjoying majority possession and threatening the Terrier backline. Paris and senior forward Baba Kallie led the attacking effort for the away side, but were unable to find the back of the net.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe found ourselves kind of starting slowly in recent games and building into it, so that\u2019s a conversation that we\u2019ve been having, in terms of starting better,” BU head coach Kevin Nylen said. “I think that\u2019s been a gradual process for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eventually, the Terriers grew into the game in the first half and found periods of sustained possession in what became largely a defensive affair. Their dominance maintained through the break and reached a crescendo at the 56th minute when Matulis fired a shot off the crossbar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, mother nature had better ideas than to allow the Terriers within striking distance as a weather delay lasted almost two hours. With rain pouring down, both sides retook the field at the 65th minute. Despite the Midshipmen having a 10-3 shot advantage in the second half, it would be the Terriers who punched in the definitive blow.<\/span><\/p>\n

With four minutes to go, freshman midfielder Kevin Torres pounced on a loose pass and launched a counter-attack that found itself on the right foot of Matulis. 25 yards out from goal, the midfielder struck the ball towards goal, and after a kiss off the left post, the Terriers found themselves ahead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What a goal from Matulis to help hand Navy its first loss of the year! #ProudToBU<\/a> #PLTop3<\/a> @NCAASoccer<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4CbUVWZHyQ<\/a><\/p>\n

— BU Men's Soccer (@TerrierMSOC) September 19, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n