The Boston College women’s soccer team kicked off the 2015-16 BC Athletics season with a perfect opening weekend, claiming two victories against strong Patriot League opponents.
The Eagles (2-0) started the season at home on Friday against Commonwealth Ave. rival Boston University (0-1). Junior McKenzie Meehan, returning from a leg injury that cost her the entire 2014 season, proved to be a powerful force for BC right from the outset, scoring in the 15th minute to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. The game was quiet until the 73rd minute when the Terriers’ McKenna Doyle tied up the match. But minutes later, Meehan’s second goal, a rocket from an Allyson Swaby free kick, gave BC a 2-1 win.
Two days later, the Eagles headed to Hamilton, N.Y. to face Colgate University (0-2). BC pressured the Raiders’ defense early, allowing junior Hayley Dowd to get a good look on goal. Her shot hit the sidebar, keeping the match scoreless. After a long period of consistent offensive pressure, the Eagles’ defense eventually loosened. Colgate took advantage and repeatedly challenged BC goalkeeper Alexis Bryant, but their efforts were proved fruitless, leaving the game tied 0-0 at the half.
The second half started out slow on both ends. The Eagles had missed several opportunities and needed to finish if they wanted to come away with their first road win of the season. After plenty of close calls, the opportunity came 72 minutes into the game. Dowd was tripped on her way to the goal, drawing a penalty kick. She found the back of the net with a low roller to the left for a 1-0 edge.
Nine minutes later, the Eagles struck again. Freshman Gaby Carreiro crossed the ball to junior Andrea O’Brien, who finished in close to give BC a 2-0 lead. The Eagles were not finished there. Meehan scored her third goal of the weekend with six minutes remaining to seal the game for the Eagles with a 3-0 win over the Raiders.
Featured Image by Emily Fahey / Heights Senior Staff
