Terriers Calm Top-Ranked Red Storm in 1-0 Stunner

by Lee Feiner

Sometimes it just takes one. One swing of the bat, one dunk of the ball, or one deft pass inside the 18-yard box to be a hero. The latter was what it took for the Boston University men’s soccer team to upset the top-ranked ranked St. John’s Red Storm 1-0, with sophomore forward Stephen Knox ('12) the recipient of the pass from scoring machine and junior forward Aaron O’Neal ('11).

With the clock winding down in the first half O’Neal ('11) and Knox ('12) found themselves in a two-on-one advantage, forcing Red Storm defender Joel Gustafsson to play the ball. O’Neal offloaded to his teammate and Knox put the ball past Red Storm goal keeper Derby Carrillo for his first game winner of his career. The Terriers took advantage of the Red Storm’s aggressive tactic of sending their left back David Reed on long, sweeping runs into the offensive attack. On one such run in the 34th minute the Terriers forced a turnover and quickly moved the ball through the midfield and into the vacated left side of the backfield. The resulting odd-man rush put the Terriers up for good as they made it halftime with the lead.

Those expecting Terriers head coach Neil Roberts to back off and hunker down to try and out last the Storm were certainly shocked when BU came out flying with several impressive possessions early in the second frame. Boston kept the pressure on and as a result kept the ball out of its own end, only allowing one truly dangerous threat as time was beginning to run out. Adam Himeno, the active Red Storm forward, attempted a bad angle shot over Terriers senior keeper Hrafn Davidsson ('10). The ball bounced towards the goal and was steered away by the omni-present sophomore back Colin Henry ('12). The sophomore midfielder has been an unsung hero all season long stepping into the big shoes of the graduated defensive anchor Dan Schultz.

As the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard, and the fans loudly voiced their appreciation of the effort put forth, the players simply walked onto the field and shook hands. A few hugs were exchanged and smiles were abound to be sure, but there was no dog pile. There was no big celebration or Gatorade bath that one might expect from an upset of a number one team. This team knew it had every right to share the field with St. John’s, and this victory was the product of hard work. This is a team on the mission. When Boston College comes to Nickerson Field on Friday night, a national audience will get its first look at what is quickly turning into a powerhouse squad.