Holy Cross Defeats Boston University, 1-0
BOSTON, Mass. – Senior Tommy Uttaro (Staten Island, N.Y.) scored the only goal of the game with just 2:14 remaining in regulation as the Holy Cross men's soccer team defeated Boston University, 1-0, in Patriot League action on Wednesday night at Nickerson Field. With the win, the Crusaders have won four of their last six games and improve to 4-5-1 overall (2-1-0 PL), while the Terriers fall to 3-7-1 overall (0-3-0 PL). Sophomore goalie Kevin Wright (McKinney, Texas) was outstanding in net as he made seven saves to post his first shutout of the season. This is the Crusaders' second win over the Terriers as they are now 2-8-4 all-time as BU had won three straight in the series. Holy Cross defeated Boston University by a 4-1 score on Oct. 23, 1973.
"Tonight's win was a collective effort," said Holy Cross head coach Marco Koolman. "The team carried out the game plan just like we wanted. We competed and were determined to win. This victory demonstrates are character and that we are learning how to win. Our hard work and determination really shined today and led to the victory."
Boston University almost scored a goal in the sixth minute, but a shot by Mac McGuire was kicked off the goal line by freshman Tim Frassetto (Trumbull, Conn.). Wright made his first save of the game in the 14th minute when he denied an attempt from Dominque Badji. Wright made his second save of the half on a shot by Jordan Barker in the 42nd minute as the game went to the half tied at 0-0.
The Crusaders earned three straight corner kicks but were unable to get a shot off in the 55th and 56th minute. Holy Cross was able to keep the Terriers off the scoreboard as Wright made five saves. In the 88th minute, Uttaro netted his team-best second game-winning goal of the season and the fourth of his career when he sent a shot from 12 yards out to the opposite corner of the net. Uttaro now has three goals this season. Senior captain Monty Sanders (Temecula, Calif.) posted an assist as he has a career-best four assists to lead the team. The Terriers earned a corner kick in the 89th minute but were unable to score the equalizer for the 1-0 final score.
"The goal was a great counter attack," said Koolman. "Uttaro has been scoring clutch goals throughout his career and he delivered once again. Senior Dane Kenny (Williston Park, N.Y.) was fantastic tonight and played really well. Wright played a massive role in the win tonight and deserves the shutout."
Wright has four career shutouts and is now 4-4-1 on the season. Matt Gilbert posted one save for the Terriers. Boston University outshot Holy Cross, 21-9, while the Terriers took eight shots on goal and the Crusaders had two. The Terriers earned nine corner kicks and the Crusaders took five.
The Crusaders return to action on Saturday, Oct. 12, when they host Patriot League opponent Lafayette at the Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium at 7:00 p.m.
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