Burlington, VT – The top-ranked University of Vermont men's soccer team delivered an emphatic message to start their 2025 campaign, dismantling Boston University 4-0 in front of 2,784 fans at Virtue Field on Sunday afternoon. The Catamounts showcased the clinical finishing and defensive solidity that earned them their number one ranking, scoring three first-half goals to effectively end the contest before halftime.
First Half Dominance Sets the Tone
Vermont wasted little time asserting their superiority, with Andrew Millar opening the scoring in the 20th minute. The midfielder found the back of the net following a well-worked move involving Maximilian Kissel and Marcell Papp, who provided the assists. The goal came after sustained early pressure that saw the Catamounts test BU goalkeeper Ben Alexander multiple times in the opening minutes.
The floodgates opened ten minutes later when Philipp Kuehn doubled Vermont's advantage at the half-hour mark. Nick Lockermann and David Ismail combined to set up Kuehn, who made no mistake with his finish. The Terriers, who had managed just one shot attempt through the first 30 minutes, found themselves chasing shadows as Vermont's midfield controlled possession and tempo.
The coup de grâce for the first half came in the 35th minute when defender Omar Robbana got on the scoresheet, converting Gianluca Armellino's assist to make it 3-0. The three-goal cushion reflected Vermont's complete dominance – they had outshot Boston University 8-3 in the opening period while forcing Alexander into multiple saves.
Kissel Caps Off Perfect Performance
If there was any doubt about the outcome, Maximilian Kissel extinguished it just five minutes into the second half. The forward, who had been instrumental in the build-up play throughout the match, finally got his reward with a goal in the 50th minute. Marcell Papp, who registered his second assist of the day, combined with goalkeeper Niklas Herceg to set up Kissel for Vermont's fourth.
The goal was particularly notable as it came from a goalkeeper assist – Herceg's distribution starting the move that culminated in Kissel's strike. It exemplified Vermont's confidence and their ability to create chances from any position on the field.
Defensive Masterclass
While the offensive display grabbed headlines, Vermont's defensive performance was equally impressive. The backline, marshaled by Rui Aoki who played the full 90 minutes, limited Boston University to just five shots total and only four on target. Goalkeeper Niklas Herceg, despite being rarely tested, maintained concentration to preserve his clean sheet with four saves when called upon.
Boston University's best chance came late in the match when Anthony Harper forced a save from Herceg in the 89th minute, but by then the result had long been decided. The Terriers struggled to build any sustained pressure, managing just three corner kicks compared to Vermont's six.
Looking Ahead
The comprehensive victory extends Vermont's strong start to the season, having already defeated Sacred Heart 2-0 in their season opener. The performance validated their preseason ranking and sent a clear message to potential challengers in what promises to be a competitive season.
For Boston University, who had opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over New Hampshire, the defeat serves as a harsh reality check. The Terriers will need to regroup quickly as they face a challenging schedule ahead.
Vermont's ability to score from various positions – with goals coming from a midfielder, two forwards, and a defender – demonstrates the tactical flexibility that makes them such a formidable opponent. With 18 shots and nine on target, their attacking intent was clear from the first whistle to the last.
As the Catamounts prepare for their upcoming road trip to American University on August 29, this performance sets a high standard for the season ahead. If Sunday's display is any indication, the rest of college soccer will have their work cut out trying to dethrone the number one team in the nation.
Match Statistics
Final Score: Boston University 0, Vermont 4
Attendance: 2,784
Venue: Virtue Field, Burlington, VT
Goals:
- Vermont: Andrew Millar (20'), Philipp Kuehn (30'), Omar Robbana (35'), Maximilian Kissel (50')
Key Statistics:
- Shots: Vermont 18, Boston University 5
- Shots on Goal: Vermont 9, Boston University 4
- Saves: Alexander (BU) 6, Herceg (UVM) 4
- Corner Kicks: Vermont 6, Boston University 3