Photo: BostonLax.net
The Boston University Terriers are in just their third season of play at the Division I level. They also are almost ready to compete for a Patriot League title, or at least a chance to play in the conference’s tournament. Much of the early success for the young program can be attested to recruiting, and after a 9-5 victory over Providence on Saturday, which opened with a goal from freshman James Burr, that recruiting couldn’t be more clear.
An attackman by trade, Burr did end up playing attack for the Terriers in the first game of the season, though he also has experience playing midfield. Burr was a candidate in the first week of the season for the Patriot League rookie of the week, an award he might see his name attached to often in 2016.
Burr had a strong pre season, scoring six goals in an exhibition contest against the eventual CUFLA champion McGill Redmen back in October. He also scored twice in the exhibition against Merrimack and another goal in the pre season contest against Bryant.
“It’s finally here, first game, hometown, I grew up here.” Burr said after the game. “There’s a big fanbase, and playing in front of family and friends, it’s awesome”
Burr, a native of Hamilton, Massachusetts, played high school lacrosse for Middlesex where in 2015 he was named a US Lacrosse All-American. Burr also was named to the 2015 USA Today All-New England team.
From the original press release when the team announced its 2019 class, Polley was quoted saying that Burr was a goal scorer.
“We’re really excited about James. He was one of only three All-Americans in a very good lacrosse conference. What we like about James is his versatility. He’s a great feeder and a goal scorer. He’s a really refined offensive player and we’re hopeful that he’ll come in and compete for one of the spots in our top nine. We could see him getting some time at attack and also as a high-wing midfield dodger.”
Almost immediately Burr was a major part of the Terrier offense, often playing at the X position behind the net and facilitating the attack. He scored the first goal of the season for BU on an assist from Ryan Hilburn. He scored his second goal of the game in the third quarter to extend the BU lead to 8-1 at the time.
“James had two [goals], which was huge, and an assist, and I thought the whole team played well.” BU head coach Ryan Polley said in an interview with the Patriot League Network after the game.
Burr played almost the same exact role that he had with the team in the fall and the two winter pre season scrimmages, and despite a strong freshman class in general, he has had the biggest role of the newcomers.
“All fall he [Burr] was putting in work and coming into the spring, he’s been doing a good job.” said sophomore attackman Jack Wilson on the play of the freshman. I’m proud of James, and we are just going to keep growing together.”
“Some freshman got their first experience and made some plays and that’s going to be huge for us going forward, getting those guys up to speed.” said Polley after the game about the freshmen play.
Last season much of the offense was run through Wilson, Hilburn, and mifielder Cal Dearth, but with Burr now having an impact right away, it changes the dynamic of the offense.
“It adds a whole new element to our offense. We have different plays, to have two midlines and all of our attack unit to pass and feed, it adds a new dimension to our offense.”
