M. Booters Bounce B.U.

Bo Derek would have been jealous.

The Harvard men's soccer team played a nearly flawless game in defeating Boston University, 2-0, yesterday at Ohiri Field. Senior strikers Derek Mills and Nick D'Onofrio supplied the offensive firepower, and the Crimson defense provided the shutout.

"Today was outstanding," Harvard Coach Mike Getman said. "We played good soccer with no mistakes."

The Crimson (4-5 overall, 1-1 Ivy) had lost four of its last five games, and came in as an underdog against the Terriers, who were ranked second in New England. B.U. (5-3-2), however, was stifled by the superb team effort displayed by Harvard.

From the beginning, the Crimson controlled the ball, going after loose balls with a passion and possessing the ball for the bulk of the first half.

Twice in the first half, Mills dazzled the crowd with his talents.

At the 17 minute mark, Mills danced his way around three B.U. defenders, but his ensuing shot was saved by junior goalie Jeff "Take it to the" Hooper. Then, with 15 minutes left in the half, Mills had a breakaway when he was dragged down from behind by Terrier fullback Jeff Schultz.

Schultz was granted a yellow card for the play, the most highly controversial of the afternoon's calls.

The first half ended in a scoreless deadlock. But Harvard opened the second half with pressure. With under 34 minutes to play, Mills chipped the ball to freshman Peter Cochran, who dodged three men, but was tripped in the box. Mills converted the ensuing penalty kick, giving the Crimson a 1-0 lead.

The Mills goal was all slide-tackling sweeper Nick Gates and his swarming Crimson defense would need. Harvard netminder Jamie Reilly effectively shut down the Terriers, with help from gutsy defensive performances by sophomores Brian Enge and Josh Morris, and juniors John Shue and Gates.

"Gates had everything organized back there," Getman said. "All four backs were outstanding today."

B.U.'s best opportunity came with 20 minutes to play when midfielder Peter Verplancke crossed the ball to forward Emma Okonkwo. Amidst the scramble, Reilly managed to dive and bat the ball away.

With under eight minutes left, sophomore Don Daigle unleashed a powerful shot that hit high off the right post. Senior wing Dave Kramer followed with a shot that was deflected by Hooper. D'Onofrio then iced the game by heading it into the net.

The Terriers threatened once more, with five minutes left, but Kramer broke up the bid and cleared the ball.

While Harvard had played well in previous losses, the team had not been able to play well for the entire 90 minutes. Yesterday, however, things were different.

"We played well in every position," Gates said. "It is the first time we've strung it together for 90 minutes."

In addition, the Crimson seemed to be possessed as it went after and got the loose balls.

"This was the most passionate game we've played," Enge said. "It was two good teams going hard in a big game."

Tomorrow, Harvard will face Yale in New Haven. This game is crucial to the Crimson's chances at a league title and a berth in the NCAA "Yale is dangerous and very solid in the back," Getman said. "They are similar to us. We've got to pressure them right away.

Crimson, 2-0 at Ohiri Field Boston U.  0-0-0 HARVARD  0-2-2

Goals-- H, Derek Mills (unassisted), 56:20; H, Nick D'Onofrio (Dave Kramer, Don Daigle), 82:24.

Saves-- B, Jeff Hooper 5; H, Jamie Reilly 8.