Box Score HAMILTON, N.Y. – Vinny Barone and Danny Kaiser scored first-half goals and goalkeeper Dylan Hobert recorded his 11th shutout, as American University beat Boston University, 2-0, in a Patriot League men's soccer semifinal match played at Colgate.
The Eagles improved to 14-4-3 with the victory, which ran their unbeaten streak to 10 games.
American, the No.3 seed in the tournament, will face fourth-seeded Lehigh in Sunday's championship game at 1 p.m. The Mountain Hawks upset top-seed and host Colgate, 2-0, in Friday's opening semifinal.
The berth in the PL final will be American's first since 2012.
In the Terriers' 1-0 win over AU in the regular-season meeting, the Eagles conceded a goal in the opening five minutes. On Friday, it was American which scored the crucial early goal, with Barone notching his seventh of the season.
The game's first goal came when Barone found himself with the ball at his feet after BU goalkeeper Matt Gilbert turned the ball over and gave Barone an open net. The sophomore now leads the Eagles on the season in goals
"The early goal is huge in a knockout match," said American head coach Todd West. "We were opportunistic with our chances, and the back four and Dylan were sensational."
American was able to double its lead in the 39th minute when
Nick Sifrin back-heeled the ball to
Danny Kaiser, who curled the ball to the far post for his first career goal.
The Terriers outshot AU 16-9 though both teams had the same number of shots on goal with four each.
Hobert had four saves and was part of an Eagle defense that recorded its 12th shutout of the season despite outshot 13-3 in the second half.
American now will remain in Hamilton until Sunday, when it meets the Mountain Hawks.
"Boston University is an excellent team, but now we prepare for a very good Lehigh team in Sunday's final," said West.
The Eagles tied Lehigh 2-2 only a week ago, and now look to find a win on Sunday.
