A 14-4-1 record. A lone loss at home. A fourth-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference. A top-25 national ranking. All of these feats characterize the astounding regular season had by the Boston College women’s soccer team. The accomplishments made by this team in the regular season are surely worth celebrating, but on Friday night, they will have to be put aside as the Eagles start a new season. Earning a four-seed in the NCAA tournament, BC will defend its home turf against Hofstra in the first round. This will mark the first time since 2015 that the Eagles take part in the tournament. Eager to make a splash, the Eagles’ road to the College Cup begins against the Colonial Athletic Association champion Pride.
Who is BC playing?
Hofstra
When is BC playing?
Friday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
Newton Soccer Field, Newton, Mass.
How to watch:
The game will be available on ACC Network Extra via WatchESPN.
By the numbers:
BC:
1) The team scored 43 goals in the regular season, good for 22nd in the country. The high output featured goals from 11 different players, with six players—paced by Sam Coffey’s 12—recording three or more.
2) Led by a familiar face in net in goalkeeper Alexis Bryant, the Eagles posted 10 shutouts this season, allowing just 12 goals for a remarkable plus-31 scoring margin.
3) Coffey, the ACC Midfielder of the Year, concluded her incredible regular season by finishing with the ACC lead in goals (12), assists (14), and points (38).
Hofstra:
1) The Pride will be making their third tournament appearance in the past four seasons. They are just 2-6-1 all-time in tournament matches.
2) The Hofstra offense was led this season by the trio of Sabrina Bryan (11 goals, 26 points), Lucy Porter (10 goals, 23 points), and Jenn Buoncore (13 assists, 19 points).
3) The Pride has scored an average of 1.67 goals per game, while allowing 0.92 against. Both marks ranked second in the CAA, a conference that features the likes of Northeastern and James Madison.
Last Meeting:
These two teams last squared off in 2013 at Hofstra University. Both teams put on an offensive clinic with 11 total goals scored. BC ultimately came away with an overtime victory, 6-5. McKenzie Meehan scored three minutes into overtime to give BC the win, notching a hat trick in the process.
Outlook:
The Eagles have a solid history over Hofstra, undefeated in the overall series through four games, but that is all forgotten on Friday. Hofstra is an experienced playoff team who has dominated its conference over the past two seasons—it has a 15-2-1 record against CAA opponents over that span.
A key for the Eagles will be finishing off scoring chances, as the shots will surely be there—they enter averaging 15.3 per game. It will be important for BC to set the tone against a strong Hofstra team by capitalizing on ferocious offensive play. The Eagles’ chances to do so are likely with the ball placed at the feet of offensive weapons Coffey, Olivia Vaughn, and Jenna Bike.
The journey to Cary, N.C. for the College Cup starts Friday. A victory would set up a potential second-round matchup with either Memphis or Wisconsin. Taking it one game at a time, the Eagles must first take care of business at home to keep their season alive.
Featured Image by Bradley Smart / Heights Editor
