Boston College women’s soccer just rattled off its second three-game win streak of the season with a 2-0 victory over Louisville on Sunday afternoon, giving the team six wins in its last seven games. The red-hot Eagles (7-3, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) played what head coach Alison Foley called “a really professional game” with sturdy team defense that locked down the Cardinals (6-3, 0-1) offensive threats. The BC offense also impressed, as it netted two of its six shots on goal to give the Eagles a 2-0 win.
The game opened up with physical defense from both teams, neither allowing the other to form much of an attack. The first true scoring opportunity came from a rip by Sam Coffey as she sprinted down the middle of the field, but the shot went wide. BC saw another chance in the 35th minute, as Lauren Berman was able to get her head square on a cross from the right side, but could not find the back of the net. The Eagles’ next opportunity came shortly after, when a Louisville foul left Sam Coffey with a free kick right outside the box. Coffey unleashed a missile that rocketed past goalie Gabriella Kouzelos into the top-right corner of the net for an absolute stunner to give BC the 1-0 lead.
The Eagles continued their aggressive defense in the second half, but their offense also started to come alive early. Coffey hit the side of the post on a run in the 46th minute that almost ended in a goal for BC. That was just the beginning of the barrage.
Within the next five minutes Coffey, Olivia Vaughn, and Mijke Roelfsema all fired shots on net. Kouzelos saved each BC attempt, and the momentum swung over to the Cardinals’ side. The Louisville offense finally found its footing in the middle of the second half.
The Cardinals started to push the ball into Eagles territory, but had a hard time getting a good look on net. As a whole, BC played solid team defense and held onto its one-goal lead until the 87th minute. Kayla Jennings fed Vaughn a beautiful pass, and the sophomore cashed in, scoring the Eagles’ second and final goal of the game.
Besides Coffey’s dazzling free kick, the highlight of the game was BC’s vigorous defense. Aside from a pair of yellow cards in the first half, the backline was excellent. Foley explained that, even with those fouls, her team continued to play physical on defense.
“They know how to intrinsically make that small adjustment but still be aggressive, and maybe be just a little bit more patient on something they might give a risk,” Foley said.
Her trust in her players paid off, and even though the Eagles committed nine fouls in the game, there were no other cards shown.
This victory over Louisville was BC’s first ACC game of the season, and the Eagles will attempt to keep that perfect conference record intact as they travel to North Carolina State to take on the Wolfpack this Thursday.
Featured Image by Celine Lim / Heights Staff
