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WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Hartford men’s soccer team hosts fellow America East member Boston University for a non-conference matchup under the lights of Al-Marzook Field on Saturday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday’s home opener is the first of seven home dates scheduled for the Hawks in 2010.
Hartford is unbeaten in its past 10 home openers, boasting an impressive 8-0-2 record. The last time the Hawks dropped a home opener was in the 1999 season when they fell to Massachusetts by a 1-0 final.
The Hawks are coming off a hard-fought, 3-2 loss at No. 12 Boston College in their season opener on Wednesday afternoon. Freshman Steven Aiston put Hartford ahead early with his first collegiate goal coming in the ninth minute. Less than one minute later, Boston College knotted the score at 1-1 and took its first lead of the game in the 16th minute. Junior Patrick Boucher, with the help of classmate Jorge Rodriguez, kept the Hawks in the game with the equalizer, tying the score at 2-2 at 30:25. With 59:52 remaining in the match, Boston College’s Kyle Bekker connected on the go-ahead and game-winning goal. Matt McElroy made his debut in net for the Hawks, making one save.
Boston University, the America East coaches’ favorite to win the league title this year, welcomes back eight starters from the 2009 squad including three of its top four scorers. Aaron O’Neal, an America East All-Conference First Team pick, returns for his senior season after leading the Terriers in scoring last season (11 goals, 4 assists). Michael Bustamante, also a 2009 first team selection, finished with 10 points and a pair of goals, ranking second on the team. Also returning to the Terriers is forward Stephen Knox who was the team’s fourth-best scorer last season with five goals and one assist.
The Terriers battled the Massachusetts Minutemen to a 1-1 draw in their season opener on Wednesday. Bustamante put Boston University on the board early, scoring a goal off a penalty kick, but Massachusetts tallied the equalizer at the start of the second half. Redshirt freshman Brandon Briggs made his first career appearance in goal for the Terriers and recorded a pair of saves.
Saturday’s match will mark the 33rd time the Hawks and Terriers will battle on the pitch since the Division I histories of the two programs. The Terriers hold a 19-9-4 advantage in the all-time series however the Hawks have won the past two decisions, both coming in 2009. Hartford defeated then-ranked No. 16 Boston University by a 3-1 final on October 10 before taking down the Terriers, 2-1, in the quarterfinal round of the America East Championship on November 7.
Saturday has been deemed World Cup Night. Support your favorite World Cup team by wearing the squad’s jersey and receive a discounted admission ($2.00 for youth, $4.00 for adults). In addition, as part of the Hawks Youth Soccer Weekend, any youth player wearing any soccer jersey will receive discounted admission to the game. Families of the youth soccer player will also receive benefit of discounted ticket price ($2.00 for youth, $4.00 for adults).
Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 860-768-HAWK, or by visiting the Malcolm and Brenda Berman Athletics Box Office at the Reich Family Pavilion. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate of Alumni Stadium prior to the games.
Following Saturday’s game, Hartford wraps-up its three-game home stand with a pair of matches against in-state rivals Quinnipiac and Central Connecticut State. The Hawks battle the Bobcats on Tuesday, September 7 before taking on the Blue Devils on Saturday, September 11. Both games are slated for 7:00 p.m. start times.