After scoring the game-winner at Stony Brook on Wednesday, freshman Michael Bustamante continued his strong play on the pitch, contributing two assists in the Boston University men's soccer team's 2-0 win over Binghamton at Nickerson Field on Saturday afternoon. With the shutout victory, the Terriers (5-5-2, 2-1 AE) are at .500 for the first time this season after starting the year 0-3-1 against four nationally-ranked teams, while the Bearcats (6-3-3, 1-1 AE) suffered their first conference loss.
Senior Hrafn Davidsson only needed to make one save as he earned his third individual shutout of the season, following a combined performance with junior Joe Cullaro in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Seawolves.
"Binghamton is a good team, and I think today was our first game with a total 90 minutes of consistent play," said head coach Neil Roberts. "There were no major breakdowns in the back. I think our team defense was much better than it has been in last two weeks. Offensively, we possessed the ball and made them chase us. We only had two scores, but we created a number of quality chances."
"Michael was definitely the man of the match," he added. "He controlled the midfield for us and set up both goals. He did another great job."
From the first minute to the last, Boston U. dominated possession of play, outshooting Binghamton, 21-5. The Bearcats entered the game following a dominating 3-0 victory at Albany and featured a goalie who was ranked 17th in the NCAA with a 0.51 goals against average. O'Neal though provided the spark for the strong offensive attack as he led the team in shots with six, three on goal.
With the win, the Terriers remain undefeated at home against Binghamton with a 4-0-1 record, as they now lead the overall series, 4-2-4. They have scored at least two goals in five of seven home games and will look to carry that momentum on the road at Maine on Wednesday (Oct. 15) and New Hampshire next Saturday (Oct. 18).
"I'm pleased with the team's effort and concentration and sticking to the game plan today," Roberts said. "We'll try to bring that forward. Wednesday will be a new day, but it will be a tough week for us. They are two strong defensive teams."
Kick-off is slated for 3 p.m. with the Black Bears.