O'Neal Scores Twice as Terriers Defeat URI 2-1

by Nate Lowenthal

The #19 Boston University Terriers men’s soccer teams extended their winning streak to three games on Saturday at the University of Rhode Island, by defeating the host Rams 2-1. Both Terrier goals were scored by junior forward Aaron O’Neal (’11).

The Terriers (6-2-1) got on the board early against URI (3-5-0) when O’Neal (’11) deflected a shot from senior co-captain Samuel Appiah (’10) into the back of the net. The play started as a corner kick with sophomore midfielder Michael Bustamante (’12) passing the ball to Appiah (’10). Appiah then fired the ball on net, and the shot was then deflected in by O’Neal at the 5:56 mark. It was the earliest goal this season for BU.

The second goal for O’Neal also came in the first half at the 22:29 mark. Off of a cross from sophomore midfielder Ben Berube (’12), O’Neal was able to find the back of the net again, this time by heading in the ball past URI keeper Chris Pennock. The goal was O’Neal’s team leading seventh on the season, and his third multi-goal game in the campaign.

The Rams were able to get back into the game in the final minute of the first half. Their first shot on goal accounted for their only score of the game as Erkko Puranen headed in a cross from Matt Preyss to make it 2-1 at 44:39.

The scoring would stop in the second half as BU senior goalkeeper Hrafn Davidsson (’10) came up with four saves to preserve the lead for the Terriers. Despite having an 8-2 edge in corner kicks, the Rams were unable to capitalize on any of them as the Terriers defense held firm.

The Terriers will return to the state of Rhode Island once again on Wednesday as they wrap up conference play and take on Brown.

***UPDATE: The win over Rhode Island moved the Terriers up from #19 to #15...Aaron O'Neal was named America East Player of the Week, and was also placed on Soccer America, College Soccer News and TopDrawer Soccer's Teams of the Week.***