By Vince Gasparini | August 28, 2023
The University at Albany Men’s soccer team kicked off their season on Thursday with a 2-1 loss against former conference rival Boston University. A relatively uneventful match, the Great Danes took 11 total shots to the Terriers’ 10, with both teams finishing with only three shots on goal.
Saad Faiz takes the ball up the field for the Great Danes
Photo Credit: Bruce Dudek
The Great Danes also faced the Terriers in their season opener in 2022, finishing in a 1-1 tie.
The first half saw UAlbany outshoot Boston 7-4. With master-class goalkeeping by UAlbany keeper Shafiq Wilson, the Great Danes warded off a dangerous scoring attempt in the 21st minute in which the Terriers got deep into the UAlbany box. Wilson forced the ball towards the right-side post, preventing Boston from scoring.
In the 38th minute, the Great Danes forced a turnover in the Terriers’ defensive third, which allowed an open scoring opportunity for junior forward Mamadi Jiana. Jiana unfortunately ripped it high over the Boston University crossbar.
The first half saw both teams go scoreless, despite UAlbany having five corner kick attempts through the 45 minutes.
In the 62nd minute, UAlbany capitalized on another turnover in Boston’s defensive third. Junior forward Saad Faiz played the loose ball forward to Mohamed Soumah, allowing Soumah to shoot across his body past reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year Francesco Montali. This gave Soumah his second goal in his career as a Great Dane and UAlbany a 1-0 lead.
Boston struck back with four minutes left off a free kick just outside the box by Quinn Matulis, tying the game at 1-1. UAlbany narrowly missed an opportunity to take the lead in the 88th minute off a shot by Dakota Johnson that just missed the net and went wide right, allowing the Terriers to take advantage of the Danes’ missed opportunity. After a defensive miscue by the Great Danes, Boston’s Aidan Bone scored, giving the Terriers a 2-1 lead with one minute remaining. Boston held on for the victory.
“It's a 90-minute match with lots of moments that we'll analyze and use to improve,” said UAlbany head coach Trevor Gorman. “Lessons get learned and we move forward. Every match is difficult at our level so hopefully more swing in our direction in the weeks ahead.”
UAlbany’s next match is on August 27, where they will face the Villanova Wildcats at home.