Men's Soccer Suffers First Loss

by Lee Feiner

The Boston University men’s soccer team stepped onto the pitch at Harvard Friday evening at 5 p.m. ready to play in the rain and cold. Unfortunately for the Terriers, the game started at 4 p.m. BU was outworked from the start, allowing 10 shots in the first half including the game winner by Jamie Rees off of an assist by Brian Rodgers as the Crimson defeated the Terriers 1-0.

Senior goaltender Hrafn Davidsson ('10) did all he could to compensate for the lack-luster defensive work in the first half, almost getting the Terriers to half-time with a clean sheet. However, with 1:09 remaining in that first frame, the Crimson registered the only goal of the game. “Less than two minutes to go you give up a goal, we didn’t deserve to be up but we almost got away with it,” BU head coach Neil Roberts said. The frustration in Roberts’ voice was evident after the way BU came out. “It was the first half all year we didn’t play well, we didn’t do anything that we do…we weren’t ready to play, it was that simple.”

With the Terriers down 1-0, Roberts read them the riot act in the locker room, and they responded almost immediately coming out and playing the brand of soccer we have had the pleasure of watching early this season, “Second half we played BU football,” Roberts said, “and that’s what we’re happy about.” The Terriers went back to their ball control style of play in the second half and executed the short, crisp passes that were being turned over in the previous frame. With about 30 minutes left in the game, Boston University controlled the ball as if they had a man advantage in hockey. Sophomore midfielders Michael Bustamante ('12) and Ben Berube ('12) played give and go in the middle of the field forcing the Crimson into a defensive shell. But the story of the day was the lack of a killer instinct and an inability to capitalize on the few chances they created. Roberts tried all he could to ignite his team late in the contest with a flurry of substitutions, hoping fresh legs would be able to force any kind of result.

What may be more of a concern to Boston University is that the injury bug could be creeping into the locker room. Junior midfielder Ben Havey ('11) sported a heavily wrapped upper leg and was removed late in the game. Freshmen forward Ade Akinsanya ('13) had a noticeable grimace throughout the contest and looked a step slow all game long. According to Coach Roberts, the injury to Akinsanya ('13) is not serious and he should be available Sunday against St. Johns. Havey ('11) on the other hand will probably be doubtful for the much anticipated rematch against the team that ousted BU from the NCAA tournament last year. And in true Boston fashion, just like with the weather, when it rains, it pours, and senior forward and co-captain Shaun Taylor ('10) will be out for at least another two to three weeks. He has been sporting a walking boot for about a week now and there seemed to be little optimism for his speedy return.

No Crimson in Red, White and Blue
As disappointing as the effort from the Terriers was today, it pales in comparison the effort put forth by the Harvard University athletic department. As the starting lineups were concluding, Boston University walked over to the sideline and respectfully stood at attention to face the flag and listen to the national anthem. The Crimson took their positions on the field, as an eerie silence and confused whispers filled the stands. There would be no national anthem Friday evening at Ohiri Field. No singer, no band, no recording, just the whistle of the referee signaling that play was to begin. This is an oversight I have seen before, usually chalked up to a technical difficulty, and with a sincere apology the game is allowed to begin. Not only was there no apology, but there was no intention of playing the anthem. On the anniversary of one of the most horrific tragedies in this nation’s history, a day that affected so many, so needlessly, I don’t feel as if I am asking too much of the Harvard athletic department to make this simple gesture of respect. It had no bearing on the outcome of the game, but it clearly bothered many on the team, several in the stands, and at least one in the press box.