WORCESTER, Mass. – Highlighted by four impressive saves from senior Matt Gilbert and two assists from freshman Matt McDonnell, the Boston University men's soccer team rolled to a 2-0 win at Holy Cross on a Wednesday night while battling temperatures below 40 degrees.
THE RUNDOWN
Final Score: Boston University 2, Holy Cross 0
Records: BU (6-6-2, 2-3-2 PL), HC (5-8-3, 1-3-3 PL)
Location: Smith Soccer Stadium – Worcester, Mass.
Watch Replay: PatriotLeague.tv
Goals: BU – Viteri (18'), BU – De Bona (84')
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After intercepting a pass at midfield, freshman Jerry Ozor pushed the ball up to classmate Matt McDonnell, who tapped it over to junior Anthony Viteri. The preseason Midfielder of the Year sprinted through the backline into the box and rifled a low shot at the right post for the 1-0 advantage in the 18th minute.
- Senior Matt Gilbert recorded three diving saves to keep the Terriers ahead, 1-0, entering the locker room.
- During a counter, McDonnell sent a through ball to senior Felix De Bona, who blasted a shot from 15 yards out at 83:01 for the two-goal advantage.
GAME NOTES
- Gilbert was named the Turnpike Trophy game MVP after tallying four saves and helping BU successfully defend against eight corners.
- With the 2-0 win and earlier 3-1 victories by both field hockey and women's soccer, BU is off to a 3-0 lead in the second annual Turnpike Trophy series against Holy Cross.
- The victory snapped an eight-game winless streak (0-6-2) on the road and helped move BU into sole possession of seventh place in the PL standings at eight points with two games remaining. Both Lafayette and Bucknell are tied for fifth at 10 points.
- Viteri netted his sixth goal of the season after missing the previous two games due to injury.
- De Bona remained two goals ahead of his fellow MAC Hermann Award Watch List member with his fifth goal in five games.
- McDonnell recorded his first two-career assists and now sits alone at third on the team in points with eight total.
- With the assist on the first goal, Ozor now leads the Terriers with five helpers.
- The Crusaders finished with a 20-14 advantage in shots and 8-3 lead in corner kicks.
NEXT UP: ARMY WEST POINT
- The Terriers will conclude the regular season with two home games, starting with Army West Point on Saturday (Oct. 29) at 7 p.m.
- BU tied at Army last season, 1-1, after eliminating the Black Knights in double overtime during the 2014 Patriot League semifinals at Nickerson Field.
- Prior to the game, BU will recognize seniors David Amirani, Peter Brodeur, Felix De Bona, Noah Sinkoff and Mark Wadid. Fifth-year senior Matt Gilbert was honored last year with his original class.
