Boston College’s men’s soccer squad opened its season in convincing fashion, routing Merrimack 4‑0 on a crisp Saturday afternoon.
The opening goal came in the 18th minute when freshman Ismail Dia found the net for the first time in his collegiate career, sparking early momentum.
Dylan Mafong, making his mark in his first multi‑point game, contributed both a goal and an assist, the latter setting up Russell Brown’s header in the 33rd minute after a quick exchange with Tin Vastic.
Mafong’s second strike came three minutes later, a 25‑yard strike that curled into the top corner, showcasing his range and composure.
Jack Burkhardt capped the scoring in the 71st minute, finishing off a move initiated by Jonah Funk, while Andrej Bork preserved the clean sheet with three saves.
Key Performances
Mafong’s dual contribution highlighted the team’s depth, as he linked play between midfield and attack while also delivering a long‑range effort that stretched the opposition’s defense.
Russell Brown’s header, born from a well‑timed pass by Mafong and Vastic, illustrated the effectiveness of set‑piece and open‑play combinations.
Andrej Bork’s three stops kept the Warriors at bay, ensuring the Eagles maintained a pristine defensive record in their opening match.
Statistically, Boston College outshot Merrimack 12‑3 and earned a 4‑1 advantage in corner kicks, underscoring the team’s control from the outset.
Interim head coach Francesco D'Agostino, who took over the program earlier this season, celebrated his first career victory as the team’s bench boss, a milestone that could set the tone for the remainder of the schedule.
Boston College will next travel to face Siena on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Newton Soccer Field, a match that will be streamed live on ACC Network Extra.