Score: Boston University 2, UAlbany 1
 
Location: Nickerson Field in Boston, Mass.
 
Records: UAlbany (0-1-0) | Boston University (1-0-0)
 
Short Story: Men's soccer strikes first but surrenders two late goals to fall in the 2023 season opener at Boston University, 2-1.
 
Key Stats

• Mohamed Soumah scored one goal
• Mamadi Jiana led UAlbany with four shots off the bench
• UAlbany outshot Boston University 7-4 in the first half
• UAlbany drew five first-half corner kicks
• Each team took three shots on target 

Head Coach Trevor Gorman: "There were certainly a lot of positives tonight.  We pressed well, forced turnovers, and created chances.  After the first goal we had some really good opportunities for the second, which would have changed the game.  It was a tough ending that we didn't deserve.  Those kinds of things happen in our sport.  We see them all the time.  But it's never fun to be on the wrong end.  It's a 90-minute match with lots of moments that we'll analyze and use to improve.  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."
 
How it Happened

• The University at Albany men's soccer team kicked off its 2023 season on Thursday with a trip to former America East opponent Boston University.  It was the second-straight season the teams faced off in their season openers.
• The Great Danes pressed early, outshooting the Terriers 7-4 over the first 45 minutes.  In the 21st minute, Boston University created a dangerous scoring chance deep in the UAlbany box, but starting goalkeeper Shafique Wilson forced the ball away from the scrum by the right-side post.
• The Great Danes forced a turnover in the Terrier's defensive third in the 38th minute.  Mamadi Jiana, coming off the bench, ripped an open shot high over the Boston University crossbar.
• Boston University countered soon after, but Wilson dived forward to deflect a draw across the middle of the UAlbany box, clearing the ball from danger.
• After a scoreless first half, UAlbany capitalized on another turnover in the Boston University defensive third.  Saad Faiz played the loose ball forward to Mohamed Soumah, who shot across his body to beat Terriers' goalkeeper and reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year Francesco Montali to put the Great Danes up 1-0.  It was the second goal of Soumah's career at UAlbany.
• Boston University drew a free kick just outside the UAlbany box in the 86th minute.  Quinn Matulis stepped up and directed his shot low by the UAlbany wall and into the far side netting to tie the game.
• In the 88th minute, Ander Castillo found himself open on the right side of the Boston University box, but missed his shot just wide right into the outside netting.
• A defensive miscue by the Great Danes in the 89th minute led to a score for Boston University's Aidan Bone, giving the Terriers a 2-1 lead with just over one minute remaining in the game.
• Boston University held on for the final minute to claim the 2-1 victory in the opener.  The Great Danes finished the game holding a narrow 11-10 margin in shots taken, but each team managed just three shots on goal.

Next: UAlbany hosts Villanova on August 27.