Boston University’s men’s soccer team will begin its 2025 campaign on Thursday, August 20, when it travels to Orlando to face UCF at the UCF Soccer Complex. The kickoff is set for 7 p.m. local time, and the match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
It marks the first meeting between the Terriers and the Knights since 2007, and it comes as BU opens under head coach Kevin Nylen, who inherits a squad that finished the previous season with a 3‑1‑2 record in season‑openers.
A Road Test for the Terriers
The Terriers bring back 17 veterans from last year’s roster and welcome 11 newcomers, among them transfers Ben Bagshaw and Louis Crofts, who are expected to add depth in midfield and defense.
UCF arrives as the defending Sun Belt Conference tournament champions, but the team will be without its leading scorers from the previous campaign — Lilian Ricol, Clarence Awoudor, Claudel N'goubou and Malick Thiaw — who have all moved on.
The game is the first leg of a three‑match road swing; after Orlando, BU will head to Boston to meet Northeastern on August 31 before returning home.
Veteran goalkeeper Juanvi Muñoz, who started every one of UCF’s 21 matches last season, has already signed with Spanish side Club Deportivo Soneja, leaving a void between the posts that the Terriers hope to exploit.
In the prior season BU topped the Patriot League in points, goals and assists, and the Terriers have historically performed well in road openers, holding a 2‑0‑1 record in such contests, the last road win dating back to 2014.
The upcoming encounter offers a early gauge of how quickly BU can translate preseason optimism into competitive results, especially against a UCF side that must rebuild its attacking core.
Coach Nylen has emphasized discipline and tactical flexibility in training, hoping to capitalize on the team’s depth and the experience of returning starters.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether the new transfers can gel quickly, and whether the defense can hold firm without the presence of a familiar last line.