In soccer, possession often does not equal winning. As Boston College men’s soccer demonstrated on Friday, all it takes is one moment to win a game. Despite giving up 13 corner kicks and 15 shots, the Eagles managed to hold their opponent, Jacksonville, scoreless.
Friday night’s game was the first-ever matchup between Jacksonville (0–3) and BC (2–1). Ultimately, the game was decided by a Ted Cargill 37th minute goal that lifted the Eagles over Jacksonville 1–0. It was Cargill’s third career goal.
“The mentality piece for such a young group has been the most impressive,” BC head coach
Bob Thomspon said. “I think the composure of the group was excellent”
BC initially struggled to build momentum, losing possession fairly easily and giving up corners. In the first half alone, Jacksonville recorded six corners to BC’s one.
“[We can work on] our ability to just clear the ball a little bit better,” Thompson said. “I think we got stuck around our box a little bit too long”
The Eagles recorded their first shot in the fourth minute on a well built up shot that Alfie Hughes skyed over the goal.
Jacksonville had success playing down the sides. The Dolphins consistently beat BC’s outside backs, and drew a corner in the 14th minute. Hughes managed to block the shot to keep the game scoreless.
BC recorded their first shot on goal in the 21st minute on an Xavier O’Neil rocket that Jacksonville goalkeeper Chrisitian Sekanina saved with his outstretched fingertips.
After playing without the ball, BC finally regained possession with about 15 minutes left in the half, culminating in an O’Neil shot that rattled the post. But Jacksonville continued to dominate the ball with its constant crosses, pressuring the Eagles defense. Jacksonville had five shots in the first half, but none on target.
BC finally broke through with Cargill’s tremendous individual effort in the 37th minute, a left-footed blast into the net gave the Eagles a 1–0 lead. The shot slid past Sekanina into the right corner.
“They’re a really good defensive side and so we just knew it was gonna be a close game and that we would need a good goal,” Thompson said. “I think the goal came from really good patience on the ball, we swung the ball long in that moment and it really opened up for Ted and he took it well.”
Jacksonville, however, stormed out in the second half. The Dolphins ripped off two quick shots, one being a diving header that was just wide. Their high press forced BC’s back line to make uncomfortable passes and almost get into trouble.
Olivier Correa netted the Dolphins first shot on goal of the game in the 51st minute, forcing Eagles goalkeeper Brennan Klein to make a diving save. Friday marked Klein’s second straight shutout and his sixth of his career.
Jacksonville committed a foul in the 60th minute that set up a Daniel Klaric header, but it sailed over the goal. O’Neil soon re-entered the match, bringing energy and helping BC settle into the game, regaining possession and playing through the lines.
In the 72nd minute, defender Diego Ochoa had a sliding tackle to prevent a Jacksonville shot, protecting BC’s lead. The Eagles tried to quickly counter on the attack but were called for offsides.
With five minutes remaining, Hughes stole the ball and placed a beautiful cross to Sam White, whose shot was blocked. Jacksonville’s final chances came on two corner kicks in the final minute, but BC’s defense held on strong to secure the win.
