Boston University Terriers
Overall Rank: #29
#1 Patriot
Boston University women’s soccer in its 19 years of existence has turned into a very tough out for anyone in the country on a given day. The 2013 season was the 11th trip to the NCAA Tournament and the fourth to the second round in program history. The defense was one of the nation’s best and will be pretty strong once again heading into 2014. That ability to limit teams offensively is going to always make the Terriers a threat to pull an upset in the NCAA Tournament.
2013 Record: 15-4-4, 8-1-0
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Nancy Feldman
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Erica Kosienski, Sophomore, F, 8
Assists: Jenna Fisher, Junior, F, 3
Shots: Erica Kosienski, Sophomore, F, 36
Saves: Alyssa Parisi, Senior, GK, 6
Other Key Returnees: F Taylor Krebs, F Ana Cuffia, M Jamie Turchi, M Clare Pleuler, D Lauren MacLellan, D Kai Miller, D McKenzie Hollenbaugh
Key Losses: GK Andrea Green, F Madison Clemens, M Megan McGoldrick, M Kylie Strom, M Emma Clark, D Erin Mullen, D Amanda Rumsey
Strengths:
The defense in 2013 was tremendous as only nine goals were conceded. Despite the loss of goalkeeper Andrea Green, defenders Erin Mullen and Amanda Rumsey, the defense should still be tough to break down in 2014. The Terriers also did a nice job in controlling the amount of set pieces for opposing sides in 2013. Boston University more than doubled up their opponents in corner kicks by a 146-70 margin. That is going to be something that the Terriers will have to continually emphasize this season to get back to the NCAA Tournament.
Weaknesses:
The attack is going to have to be more explosive in 2014 as Boston University only scored more than one goal in a match just six times last season. If the Terriers can double that to around 12 multi-goal matches this fall that would be huge bonus for them. They also need to try and generate some more shots in matches to take the pressure off their outstanding backline even if it means winning 2-1 instead of 1-0.
Final Projection:
The schedule is excellent as the Terriers will get a great idea of where they stand nationally after hosting Boston College on August 24th. On August 29th, Boston University travels to Columbia to take on South Carolina. These two sides battled to a tightly contested scoreless draw at Nickerson Field last August. In the end the Terriers should be able to get through the Patriot League and back into the NCAA Tournament. The key is going to be can they get back to the second round like they did in 2013. The ability to do that will further solidify Boston University women’s soccer as an ascending program on the national scene.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 1.22 (198th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 0.375 (2, 1)
Shutout Percentage: 0.696 (5, 1)
Save Percentage: 0.857 (13, 2)
Madness 2014 Women’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#40 Hannah Ciolek
See All College Sports Madness Top 44 Women's Soccer Previews
