Courtesy: Boston University Athletic Communications
SEATTLE, Wash. - Aided by goals from freshman Taylor Krebs and sophomore Kylie Strom, the Boston University women's soccer team (5-0-1) extended its unbeaten streak to six games with a 2-0 victory over No. 8 Portland (2-3-0) on Sunday afternoon in its final game of the Husky/Nike Invitational.
"Today was a tale of two halves with Portland running the action in the first 45 minutes," said head coach Nancy Feldman. "At the half, we made some adjustments and wanted to get the ball on the ground and make more passes instead of chasing the game. It worked for us, and we were able to gain more possession and eliminate them offensively."
The Terriers' six-game unbeaten streak ties the 1996 squad for the best season-opening stretch in program history. The triumph also marks Boston U.'s second win over a ranked opponent in as many years as well as its eighth overall.
"We respect all our opponents because on any given day you can be beat," continued Feldman. "But, we feel confident that we can play with any team in the country, and we proved that this weekend. It's not only a good win for BU, but it's also a good win for our conference and for the Northeast."
Senior Alice Binns (3-0-1) was the goalkeeper on record, making three saves for her second shutout of the season.
Portland maintained a 12-9 advantage in shot attempts, however, the Terriers made the most of their four shots on target, finding the back of the net in the 20th and 70th minutes, respectively. The Pilots did have their chances, but, BU got some added defense from the post three times throughout the game.
The reigning America East Rookie of the Week Taylor Krebs scored the game winner just 19:40 into the match with her third goal of the year on a strike to the upper right corner off a feed from senior Lina Cords. The goal energized the squad as it continued to pressure Portland's backline with three more shots over a three-minute period.
Portland nearly knotted the score with a strike in the 26th minute, however, Michaela Capelle's shot rang off the post. Capelle provided most of the Pilots' offense in the first half and unloaded another strike three minutes later, but, it sailed wide. The post again became a fifth member of the defense when Danielle Foxhaven's shot ricocheted off the pipe at 29:36.
In the second half, Portland continued its attempt at cutting the deficit and hit the post for a third time in the 58th minute. Twelve minutes later, Strom provided BU with some added insurance with her second goal of the season on a strike to the upper right corner.
The Pilots managed two more shots in the final 20 minutes of action, but one went wide and Binns stopped the last threat.
Portland's Michaela Capelle led all players with four shots, while Krebs had a team-high three attempts and Strom had two for the Terriers.
Boston U. will return to the Northeast and next face Connecticut on Friday (Sept. 9) at 7 p.m. in Storrs, Conn.