Stalker's Brace Leads Siena to Commanding 3-1 Victory Over Boston College Saints Overcome Early Deficit with Three Unanswered Goals in Season-Opening Statement Win
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – Campbell Stalker delivered a masterclass performance with two crucial goals as Siena University stormed back from an early deficit to defeat Boston College 3-1 in their season opener at Alumni Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Saints' impressive comeback victory showcased their resilience and attacking prowess against ACC competition.
Boston College appeared poised to control proceedings when Russell Brown capitalized on an early opportunity in the 9th minute. Jack Burkhardt's precise assist found Brown in a dangerous position, and the Eagles forward made no mistake with his finish to give the home side a 1-0 advantage. The goal came during a period of sustained Boston College pressure that saw the Eagles register three shots in the opening 10 minutes.
However, Siena's response was swift and emphatic. Just under five minutes later, Campbell Stalker announced his presence with the equalizer in the 13th minute. Lee Mara, who would prove instrumental throughout the match, provided the assist as Stalker found space in the box to level the score at 1-1. The goal marked the beginning of Siena's tactical adjustment that would ultimately prove decisive.
The first half settled into a more balanced affair after the early flurry of goals, with both teams creating half-chances. Boston College goalkeeper Andrej Borak was forced into action multiple times, making crucial saves to deny Mark Cajamarca and Lee Mara. Meanwhile, Siena's Bennet Glinder remained composed between the posts, handling the Eagles' attacking threats with confidence.
The second half belonged entirely to Siena, as the Saints demonstrated superior fitness and tactical flexibility. The breakthrough came in the 65th minute through a moment of brilliant combination play. Lee Mara, who had been influential throughout, found himself on the end of a well-worked move involving assists from both Benjamin Fogarty and Martin Piedeleu. The goal showcased Siena's ability to create chances through patient buildup play and precise passing.
Stalker sealed the victory with his second goal in the 72nd minute, this time working without assistance to extend Siena's lead to 3-1. The unassisted effort demonstrated the midfielder's individual quality and ability to create something from nothing when his team needed it most.
The statistical narrative tells the story of two different halves. While Boston College managed more shots overall (12 to Siena's 17) and corner kicks (5 to 3), the Saints proved more clinical in their finishing. Siena converted three of their seven shots on target, while Boston College managed just one goal from three shots on goal.
Tactically, Siena's midfield trio of Mara, Stalker, and Martin Piedeleu controlled the tempo in the second half. Piedeleu's three shots and assist highlighted his attacking contribution, while Mara's goal and assist combination made him the standout performer. The Saints' defensive unit, anchored by Thomas Sams who played the full 90 minutes, remained disciplined throughout.
For Boston College, the defeat highlighted areas for improvement despite the promising start. The Eagles struggled to maintain their early intensity and were unable to respond effectively to Siena's tactical adjustments. Ask Ekeland's two second-half shots represented their best opportunities to get back into the match, but Glinder remained untroubled.
This opening result sets a positive tone for Siena's season while providing Boston College with valuable lessons ahead of their upcoming fixtures. The Saints' ability to overcome adversity and dominate the second half suggests they could be a formidable opponent throughout the campaign.
Key Players
- Campbell Stalker (Siena University) - Scored two goals including the crucial equalizer and match-sealing third goal, demonstrating clinical finishing and intelligent movement in the box
- Lee Mara (Siena University) - Contributed one goal and one assist while registering three shots on target, controlling the midfield and providing the creative spark for Siena's comeback
- Russell Brown (Boston College) - Scored the opening goal and remained Boston College's most dangerous attacking threat with two shots, though unable to find a second goal to keep his team competitive