Boston University College Soccer: A Legacy of Coaching Excellence

Boston University (BU) boasts a rich history in college soccer, shaped by the dedication and expertise of its coaches. This article explores the impactful careers of several key figures who have led the men's and women's programs, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the university's soccer legacy.

Neil Roberts: A Pillar of the Men's Program

Neil Roberts stands as a monumental figure in the history of Boston University men's soccer. His 35-year tenure established the program as one of the nation's elite. Roberts' journey with BU began in 1979 as an assistant coach under Hank Steinbrecher, who later became the executive director of the United States Soccer Federation. When Steinbrecher departed in 1985, Roberts took the helm, ushering in an era of sustained success.

Coaching Achievements and Accolades

Roberts quickly made his mark, guiding the Terriers to a 14-4-1 record and an NCAA tournament bid in his first year as head coach. His career is marked by impressive statistics and numerous accolades:

Overall Record: 363-206-92 (.619)
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 14
NSCAA New England Coach of the Year: 5-time recipient (1985, 1986, 1988, 1994, 2004)
League Coach of the Year Honors: 7 America East Coach of the Year awards and the 2014 Patriot League Coach of the Year award.

Roberts ranks 11th in the nation among active coaches in victories, a testament to his consistent ability to build winning teams.

Highlights and Memorable Seasons

Several seasons stand out as particularly remarkable during Roberts' tenure. In 1994, the Terriers achieved a 16-0-1 regular-season record, making them the only undefeated team in the nation. They opened the season with a 3-2 upset win over No. 1 ranked University of Virginia, the eventual national champion. The team set seven team records and finished the regular season ranked first, ultimately concluding the year with a 19-1-1 (.929) mark and an NCAA first-round win.

Other notable achievements include:

Reaching the NCAA national quarterfinals in 1985.
Advancing past the first round of the NCAA tournament seven times.
Winning five consecutive conference titles in the 1990s, with a 10-game tournament winning streak.
Guiding the Terriers to their first at-large NCAA berth since 2007 in 2015.

Player Development and Academic Success

Beyond on-field success, Roberts emphasized player development and academic achievement. He coached 12 All-Americans and 10 Academic All-Americans. In 1994, Nick Bone was voted the National Freshman of the Year. Roberts also took pride in his players' academic accomplishments; during the 2014 season, 15 players earned Patriot League Academic Honor Roll accolades, with a program-high 21 being named to the Honor Roll in both 2016 and 2017.

Transition and Legacy

After his distinguished career at BU, Roberts joined the Emmanuel College staff, coaching alongside his son, Dan Roberts. His legacy at Boston University is one of sustained excellence, marked by numerous championships, individual accolades, and a commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

Nancy Feldman: Building a Women's Soccer Powerhouse

Nancy Feldman took charge of the Boston University women's soccer program in March 1995. She transformed the team from a club-level entity into a consistent competitor against the nation's top squads. Over her 27 seasons, Feldman established a culture of excellence and achieved remarkable success.

Program Transformation and Coaching Honors

Feldman inherited a team that had just achieved varsity status and guided it to a 326-169-54 record. Her accomplishments include:

NCAA Tournament Appearances: 14
America East Championships: 9
Patriot League Crowns: 4
Conference Coach of the Year Awards: 12 (9 America East, 3 Patriot League)
NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year: 2013

Under Feldman's leadership, the Terriers consistently excelled in conference play, achieving five perfect seasons in America East and an overall league record of 132-20-11.

Memorable Seasons and NCAA Tournament Runs

The Terriers reached the NCAA tournament 14 times under Feldman. They advanced to the second round on four occasions. In 2006, they earned their first at-large bid to the NCAAs after compiling a 13-4-2 regular-season mark. The 2011 season was particularly memorable, with the Terriers achieving a program-best 19-3-1 record and a trip to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Individual Player Success and Recognition

Feldman's guidance led to numerous individual accolades for her players. Deidre Enos became the first BU women's soccer player to earn All-America honors in 2000 and was voted the University's Female Athlete of the Year. Melissa Shulman earned NSCAA All-America honors in 2003.

Feldman's Departure and Lasting Impact

Feldman retired after the 2021 season, leaving behind a program defined by success, integrity, and a commitment to player development. Her influence extends beyond the field, as she served on several important national committees and mentored numerous coaches and players.

Kevin Nylen: Ushering in a New Era for Men's Soccer

Kevin Nylen was named the head coach of the Boston University men’s soccer team on January 16, 2020. He brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the program. Nylen's coaching journey includes stints at Amherst College, Boston College, and Florida International University (FIU).

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

Early Career and Coaching Philosophy

Nylen's playing career included a successful run at Saint Anselm College. He transitioned to coaching, emphasizing player recruitment and an attacking style of play.

Success at Florida International University

Prior to joining BU, Nylen spent three years as the head coach at FIU, where he led the Panthers to a 29-15-9 record. In 2017, he was named the Conference USA Coach of the Year after guiding FIU to its first-ever C-USA regular-season title.

Challenges and Vision at Boston University

Nylen faced immediate challenges upon arriving at BU. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the beginning of his tenure. He focused on building a cohesive team and implementing his tactical ideas. Nylen emphasizes the importance of film study, recruiting, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of college soccer.

Coaching Staff and Player Development

Nylen assembled a dedicated coaching staff and worked to develop players both on and off the field. He aims to create a professional environment where players can reach their full potential.

Casey Brown: A Terrier Returns to Lead the Women's Program

Casey Brown, a Boston University alumna and former player, was appointed as the head coach of the women's soccer program, succeeding Nancy Feldman. Brown's return to BU marked a new chapter for the program.

Playing Career and Coaching Experience

Brown led the Terriers to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and three America East titles. After graduating from BU, she played professionally for the Boston Breakers. She returned to Nickerson Field as an assistant coach under Feldman, helping the team claim three Patriot League titles.

Coaching Style and Team Culture

Brown emphasizes building relationships with her players and creating a positive and empowering environment. Her players describe her as supportive, motivational, and attentive to their needs.

Early Success and Future Goals

Brown aims to continue the culture of excellence established by her predecessor. She focuses on improving each game and fostering a strong team dynamic.

Boston College Eagles: A Contrast in Fortunes

While the focus of this article is on Boston University, it is worth noting the trajectory of the Boston College Eagles women's soccer team. The Eagles have experienced periods of success, including NCAA Tournament appearances and conference achievements. However, they have also faced challenges, including coaching changes and inconsistent performance.

Early Success and NCAA Tournament Appearances

Under coach Mike LaVigne, the Eagles enjoyed a successful start to their program, with NCAA Tournament appearances in 1982 and 1983. Susan Kaplan continued this trend, leading the team to double-digit wins and two more NCAA Tournament berths.

Alison Foley's Tenure and ACC Transition

Alison Foley coached the team for 22 years, achieving consistent success and guiding the Eagles through their transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The team made the NCAA Tournament 15 times during her tenure.

Recent Challenges and Coaching Changes

In recent years, the Eagles have struggled to maintain their competitive edge. Jason Lowe's tenure as coach was marked by difficulties, and he was eventually replaced by Chris Watkins.

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