Aug. 28, 2008

Gametracker

BOSTON - The Boston University men's soccer team kicks off its season on Friday when the Terriers trek down Commonwealth Avenue to Newton Centre for a non-conference tilt against cross-town rival Boston College at the Newton Campus Soccer Field at 5 p.m. The season opener matches two teams that both qualified for the NCAA tournament last season. The meeting with the fourth-ranked Eagles is the first of three straight games against nationally-ranked teams to open the season for the Terriers.

BC has an 18-17-8 edge in the all-time series, but the Terriers' last trip to Newton in 2006 resulted in a thrilling 2-1 double-overtime win over the Eagles. Last season, BC recorded a 1-0 shutout at Nickerson Field.

BU enters the 2008 season on the heels of a 9-7-4 campaign last year that concluded with an at-large berth in the NCAA tournament, the Terriers' first at-large bid since 1991. Nine starters return from last year's team, including a pair of America East all-conference selections in forward Shaun Taylor and back Dan Schultz, the team's 2008 captain. America East Rookie of the Year Aaron O'Neal returns up front as well after leading the Terriers with 16 points, including six goals, in his freshman campaign. BU was picked third in the America East preseason coaches' poll, which would match its finish from last year's standings.

The Eagles are seeking a defense of their Atlantic Coast Conference championship from a season ago, although BC was picked third in the ACC preseason poll behind defending national champion Wake Forest and Maryland. Last season's Eagles put together a 15-5-1 record before falling in the NCAA tournament to Massachusetts, the same team that ended the Terriers' season. Senior midfielder Alejandro Bedoya has earned preseason All-America honors from College Soccer News and Soccer America and was named to the Hermann Trophy watch list after registering 26 points last season.

After Friday's game, the Terriers are set for their home opener on Sunday at Nickerson Field with an NCAA tournament rematch against 13th-ranked UMass at 6 p.m. That game will be preceded by the Terrier Tailgate pregame barbeque and the presentation of the America East Commissioner's Cup. Live streaming video of all home games this season, including Sunday's, will be available through BU All-Access.