Boston College women’s soccer (8-0) looks to continue its dominant stretch following a win over Temple this past weekend—its eighth-straight—as it squares off against cross-town rival Harvard on Wednesday. The Crimson (2-4), amid a slow start to the 2018 season, has demonstrated streaks of success, such as its consecutive victories over Syracuse and Quinnipiac earlier in the season. While Harvard defeated Quinnipiac by only a one-goal margin, the Crimson shut out Syracuse by a score of four goals to none. Regardless of current season records, the Eagles can be certain Harvard will elevate its level of play on Wednesday in an attempt to taint BC’s unblemished record.
Who is BC playing?
Harvard
When is BC playing?
Wednesday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
Newton Soccer Field, Newton, Mass.
How to Watch:
This match is available on ACC Network Extra.
By the Numbers:
BC:
49: Number of corner kicks the Eagles offense has generated this season. BC has been creating dangerous scoring opportunities from the moment it took the field in August.
17: Number of saves on the season for starting goalkeeper Alexis Bryant.
7: Number of assists sophomore playmaker and leading scorer Sam Coffey has tallied this fall.
Harvard:
5: Number of shots on goal by Leah Mohammadi in the Crimson’s previous match versus Providence.
1: Number of road games Harvard has won this season.
2: Number of shutouts Harvard has recorded this season.
Last Meeting:
The Eagles fell, 1-0, to Harvard the last time the two teams played. Mohammadi slotted a last-minute goal to end the match and notch the win for the Crimson.
BC wins if…
Elysa Virella and the Eagles’ defense can manage Mohammadi’s speed, thereby eliminating her ability to fire shots on goal. Mohammadi, the Crimson senior from Upland, Calif., led her team with 60 shots during the 2017 season as a junior. She also scored three game-winning goals as a junior, defeating not only the Eagles, but also Providence and St. John’s. Combined with a lockdown and coordinated defense, the Eagles must attack the Crimson net as a united front and cycle the ball through the midfield early and often to feed Eagle forwards such as Olivia Vaughn and Coffey.
BC loses if…
Mohammadi imposes her will on the BC defense and tests Bryant with each offensive attack. With rain and potential thunderstorms in the forecast, both goalies will have a tough time saving low, hard-driven shots on the turf. Additionally, the Eagles will have to generate corner kicks and offensive set plays regularly. When Harvard boasts a cohesive front, the Crimson defense typically commits few errors—after all, both of its 2018 victories have been shutouts.
Featured Image by Maggie DiPatri / Heights Staff
