Men's Soccer: Terriers Down but Not Defeated

by Nathaniel Lowenthal

Despite their four game losing streak in conference play, the Boston University Terriers men’s soccer team (7-6-2, 1-4), still has a chance at making the America East Conference Tournament. Because only six of the eight America East teams make the conference tournament - the Terriers currently are in seventh place – BU is on the outside looking in. If they can turn the tide during the final two regular season games, they could still make the tournament. Here’s how:

The Terriers final two contests come against Vermont and Albany. Vermont is currently in the sixth seed, despite being tied for fourth because they only have one win with two ties for four points. Both UMBC and Binghamton have two losses and zero ties for four points. If the Terriers are able to defeat Vermont next Wednesday at UVM, they will then at least have a shot at tying the Catamounts, Retrievers and Bearcats, and will hold the tiebreaker over only the Catamounts.

Here is where it gets interesting. Before the Catamounts face BU, they will take on Albany on Saturday. Albany is currently the cellar dweller in America East play . If the Great Danes cannot play spoiler, and muster even a tie, the Terriers will need to defeat both Vermont and Albany to make the playoffs. A tie will not be sufficient, especially against Vermont.

If Albany can take a point or two from the Catamounts, the Terriers will still need to win over UVM and at least tie Albany, because they would still hold the tiebreaker over UVM. A tie with UVM and a win at Albany will make things even messier due to the results of what UMBC and Binghamton do.
Despite their strong non-conference play, which included wins over #12 UConn and #1 St. John’s, things have fallen apart for BU in conference play. As a result, even if they are able to get the sixth seed, they would still most likely have to win the conference tournament in order to qualify for the NCAA tournament.

Regardless, the Terriers should have only one goal in mind:; defeat Vermont next Wednesday to keep their playoff chances alive. Otherwise, Albany will be the final game for the team this season, and August 2010 will be the next time they take the pitch.