KINGSTON, R.I. - Junior Aaron O'Neal tallied two early goals and the defense held off a late charge, as the 19th-ranked Boston University men's soccer team defeated Rhode Island, 2-1, on Saturday night at the URI Soccer Complex. With the victory, the Terriers record their first three-game win streak of the year to improve to 6-2-1, while the Rams dropped to 3-5-0 on the season.

The Terriers got on the board first with their earliest goal of the season at 5:56 when O'Neal deflected in a shot from Samuel Appiah, who received a pass off a corner from Michael Bustamante.

O'Neal came back at 22:29 with his second goal when he headed in a cross to the left corner off a cross from Ben Berube. The score marked his third multi-goal game of the year and his seventh goal overall, marking a personal best for a season. In 2007, he tallied six to earn America East Rookie of the Year honors.

The Rams had their opportunities in the first half but were unable to get a shot on goal until 44:39. Matt Preyss sent a cross into the box and Erkko Puranen headed in his third goal of the year toward the far post past a diving Hrafn Davidsson.

Both teams entered the locker room tied in shots at five, but BU missed chances to attempt more with six offsides calls. The Rams also had a 2-1 edge in corners.

In the second stanza, Rhode Island came out aggressive and had a soft header off a corner toward the goal by Uri Lindroos at 46:16, but Davidsson was in position for the save.

The Rams had a final chance to tie the game at 89:12 with a corner kick and even brought up the keeper, but the Terrier defense held strong and preserved the victory.

Rhode Island finished ahead in shots, 11-6, and in corners, 8-2. Davidsson had four saves, while Chris Pennock had one.

BU won its sixth straight victory over Rhode Island and will return to the state on Wednesday with a visit to Brown. Action will start at 7 p.m.