McCaffrey Lifts BU Past Boston College, 1-0

by Boston University Athletics
August 27, 2012

NEWTON, Mass. - Junior Derek McCaffrey scored in the 55th minute and sophomore Nick Thomson recorded five saves to help the Boston University men's soccer team defeat Soccer America's No. 11 Boston College, 1-0, on Monday afternoon at the Newton Campus Field. Earning their first win over the Eagles since 2006, the Terriers improve to 1-1 and capture the program's 500th career victory.

Finishing runner-up in the ACC tournament last season, the Eagles (1-1) were held scoreless for the first time by BU since a 1-0 defeat back in 1998 at home. 

The Terriers tallied 16 shots, including five on goal, while BC attempted 11 with Thomson stopping five of the shots, including a point blank attempt from Diego Medina-Mendez in the 59th minute.

Currently ranked second all-time at BC in wins with 38, Justin Luthy recorded four saves in the loss. In the first half, he was in position to smother multiple crosses into the box from sophomore Anthony Ciccone. McCaffrey though was able to find the ball at 54:20, as he quickly pushed the ball past Luthy for the score.

The goal marks McCaffrey's first-ever game winner and Ciccone's fourth assist on a go-ahead goal in the last two seasons. Last year, he found Stephen Knox for a 1-0 victory against then-No. 22 Providence.

Named America East Rookie of the Year last year, Dominique Badji led the Terriers with four shots, including two on goal. Medina-Mendez had three, all on net, for the Eagles. 

A junior, 2011 AE Defender of the Year Kelvin Madzongwe anchored a backline featuring sophomore Sanford Spivey and freshman Jeroen Blugh. The three men along with Thomson played all 90 minutes and prevented the Eagles from connecting on one of the five corner kick attempts, including four in the second half. 

With the win, BU improves to 500-365-115 (.569) all-time. Currently in his 28th season at the helm, head coach Neil Roberts owns 308 of the victories with 13 NCAA tournament berths and just one losing season on his resume. 

After playing their second ranked team on the road, the Terriers head to the state of North Carolina to face Soccer America's No. 19 Wake Forest on Friday, Aug. 31 and defending national champion North Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 2. 

The Tar Heels will enter the contest ranked as high as No. 1 by College Soccer News.

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