Sept. 6, 2010
Box Score | Video Highlights
Postgame Comments: Briggs | Havey | Coach Roberts
BOSTON - After surviving an early offensive onslaught with redshirt freshman goalkeeper Brandon Briggs recording five of his seven stellar saves in the first half, the Boston University men's soccer used late goals from seniors Ben Havey and Aaron O'Neal to defeat Columbia, 2-0, on Monday night at Nickerson Field. With their second consecutive shutout victory, the Terriers improve to 2-0-1, while the Lions drop to 0-2-0.
Columbia midfielder Francois Anderson set the tone early with his speed on the outside, first taking a shot that was saved by the America East Player of the Game Briggs at 2:16. In the 16th minute, Nick Ayers headed a chip shot toward the far post inside the box, but Briggs stretched his arms out to keep the game scoreless.
A couple of careless turnovers gave Columbia breakaway opportunities, but the defense held strong, as the Lions entered the locker room with a 12-6 edge in shot attempts.
To start the second half, Columbia came out attacking again with three shots in the first five minutes. BU's midfield though settled down and maintained possession of the ball more, holding Columbia to four attempts the rest of the game with Briggs needing to save just one of them.
The offense also found its rhythm and finally got on the board at 76:44 when Havey took a pass near midfield, dribbled quickly toward the box and got through a couple of defenders, including the charging Columbia keeper, to place the ball in the net for his second goal of the season.
With less than a minute to go in a similar play, Havey brought the ball toward right side of the box and attempted a shot that was blocked by a Lions defender. He quickly recovered the ball and passed to the middle to O'Neal, who kicked it into the open net for the insurance goal.
Aurrichio finished with six saves for the Lions, as they finished ahead in shot attempts, 19-17, and corner kicks, 8-7. Havey led BU with five attempts, while O'Neal had three on goal.
The Terriers will next travel to Seton Hall for a Friday (Sept. 7) meeting at 7 p.m.
