Boston University men defeat Columbia

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Quickly bouncing back from Friday's loss to Boston College, the 14th-ranked Boston University men's soccer team (4-2-1) earned a 1-0 victory at Columbia (1-4-0) on Sunday afternoon in their first meeting since 1984. Tom Strackhouse's kick was mishandled by a defender at 25:31, leading to the lone score, and goalie Hrafn Davidsson recorded six saves to preserve his fourth shutout of the season.

Senior Samuel Appiah had the first good look for the Terriers when in the 11th minute, he rifled a shot toward the goal that would have gone in if not for Columbia defender Ryan Scully getting into position to head it over the crossbar. A minute later, Richy Dorman had an attempt inside the box, but goalie Alexander Aurrichio made the save.

The Terriers finally got on the scoreboard when a Columbia defender tried to clear a hard kick into the box from Strackhouse but misplayed it as the ball went over the goalie for the score. Both teams finished the first stanza with four shot attempts.

In the second half, Columbia tried to be the aggressor, but Davidsson was always in position for the saves. At 77:02, Bayo Adafin attempted a shot toward the far post but was denied, and five minutes later, a Steven Keker header met the same fate.

BU had its chances as well to extend the lead, with Ade Akinsanya's attempt going wide at 49:36. His brother, Temi Akinsanya, also had a close call at 87:03, but Aurrichio recorded the save.

The Terriers and Lions were even in shots (11), corner kicks (2) and saves (6), though BU had five offsides calls against Columbia's one. Michael Bustamante led BU with three shots, while Adafin had four, including three on goal, for the Lions.

BU returns to Nickerson Field to host Holy Cross on Wednesday (Sept. 23) at 7 p.m.