The Boston University women’s soccer team (3-5-1) fell 4-0 to crosstown rival Boston College (7-0) in the first Battle of Comm. Ave. in four years on Sept. 10.

Entering the match, the Eagles led the all-time matchup with a 21-5-1 record.

The visiting Terriers struggled to find a rhythm offensively in the first half, digging a deficit that they were unable to recover from.

“It obviously isn’t the result that we wanted or expected,” BU head coach Megan Burke said, “But I think that it’s one that we’re going to learn a lot from.”

The Terriers’ defense stood strong in the first seven minutes — fending off early pressure from the Eagles — but it wasn’t enough. BC junior midfielder Ashley Roberts broke the deadlock in the 8th minute, scoring off an assist from senior forward Sophie Reale. 

With the momentum of an early goal, BC continued to dominate the match, locking BU in defensive play. 

“We just kept giving them the ball whenever we had it,” Burke said. “It’s just a matter of who wants the ball and getting on it and feeling really confident when you are on it, too.” 

The Terriers’ struggles continued, as BC freshman forward Addy Kalaw netted a goal in the 28th minute, once again assisted by Reale. 

Despite trailing 2-0 at the end of the first half and being outshot 14-3, BU came out of halftime with renewed enthusiasm.

Leading the surge was BU senior forward Kat Slott, the team’s points and goals leader. She put up four total shots in the game, including three shots on goal that forced BC senior goalkeeper Olivia Shippee to stay on her toes.

“We’re going to continue to do exactly what we do with Kat,” Burke said. “She comes in. She does a really great job. She makes an impact .… hopefully she starts in the back of the dozen more as we continue with games and start getting into conference play.”

However, Slott and the Terriers’ efforts fell short. BC extended their lead to 4-0 with two goals in two-minutes. Reale scored off an assist from graduate student defender Alex Schoenstadt, and just a minute and a half later, sophomore forward Nicollette Kiorpes capitalized on a BU defensive error and scored, with assists from Reale and sophomore forward Emily Mara.

While the Eagles outshot the Terriers 21-13 overall across 90 minutes, BU adjusted their offensive execution in the second half and outshot BC 10-7. The Terriers hope to carry this aggressive offensive play into their upcoming games.

“It’s just us showing up with intention to start the game and coming in with the attitude that we’re going to win it,” Burke said. 

Burke emphasized that the team’s confidence needs to come from within. 

“Now we just have to look forward and learn from the mistakes and also take the good from the game” she said.

With the defeat, BC extended their rivalry series lead to 22-5-1. BU finished out-of-conference play against Bryant University on Sunday, Sept. 13, and will start Patriot League play against the  U.S. Naval Academy on Sept. 19 at Nickerson Field.

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