Balanced Attack Leading to Terriers Success

by Nate Lowenthal

Going into their contest with Boston College this Friday, the Boston University men’s soccer team is gaining national recognition wither their 3-1-1 start, including last Sunday’s upset over top-ranked St. John’s. The Terriers, led by head coach Neil Roberts, have been far from perfect this season, with injuries and occasional sloppy play, but are still off to a successful start due to a balanced attack. The Terriers so far this season have received significant contributions from members of all four recruiting classes and all over the pitch as well.

In net this season the Terriers have received very solid goalkeeping from senior Hrafn Davidsson (’10). The Iceland native has been in net for every second this season and all three of his victories have been via the shutout. He boasts a .905 save percentage, having allowed only two goals on 21 shots.

All three backs have made an impact on defense for the Terriers. Sophomore Colin Henry ('12), however, has been the back in the middle that has truly shined this season. Roberts says that Henry (’12) is, “one of the most underrated players in the (America East) Conference,” but Henry’s play this season specifically against St. John’s will begin to get him recognized. It seemed like every time the Red Storm made a threat in the offensive end, Henry was there to prevent the Red Storm from firing a shot on net by breaking up the play and sending the ball to a midfielder to lead the attack up the pitch for the Terriers.

Midfielder and fellow sophomore Michael Bustamante (’12) has been one of the key catalysts for the Terriers this season. As a freshman, Bustamante (’12) garnered numerous awards including America East Rookie of the Year and America East Midfielder of the Year. This season, Bustamante’s reputation has made him more of a target, but he is still finding ways to help on offense, leading the team with three assists.

The man with the golden leg so far this season for BU has been junior forward Aaron O’Neal (’11). Currently, O’Neal (’11) has been responsible for half of the total goals scored this season with four of the team’s eight tallies. With senior co-captain Shaun Taylor (’10) nursing a foot injury, O’Neal has stepped up and become the dominant scorer on the team this season. When Taylor (’10) eventually returns it will make the Terriers even more formidable on offense adding an addition scoring option, and giving the Terriers some much needed size.

The freshmen are also beginning to find their feet for the Terriers. Ade Akinsanya (’13) has played very well in the midfield for the Terriers so far, and though he has yet to register a point, Roberts has praised him for his play numerous times. Nick Prunier (’13) has come off the bench to help spell players like O’Neal at the end of the half, and is starting to see his role expand.

Finally, Roberts and his staff deserve credit for the coaching efforts so far. The Terriers have had to deal with the injury Taylor, as well as nagging injuries to sophomore back Ben Havey (’12) and Ade Akinsanya. While the injuries so far have hampered the Terriers, Coach Roberts has been able to find ways to make up for them. Without Taylor, BU is a small team that gets even smaller. As a result most 50-50 headers are 75-25 in favor of the opposition. As a result, Roberts on corner kicks has surprised teams, including St. John’s by having the kick taker strike the ball out of the box, instead of crossing it in for a header. This play nearly resulted in a goal against St. John’s with senior co-captain Samuel Appiah (’10) hitting post from just outside the 18-yard box. The shot still kept St. John’s on their toes for that play the rest of the game, and the Terriers even with the near miss, were still able to pull off the 1-0 upset.

The effort and level of play must stay consistent however, if the Terriers want to once again capture the America East championship and try for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament than last year’s second round exit at the hands of St. John’s.