Most people scouting BGSU in Men’s soccer would point to the tandem of Bennett Painter and Trace Terry, both double-digit scorers, when identifying the largest impactors on the team. 

On Sunday night, Freshman Midfielder Ryko Bodurov made his presence known. 

Bodurov had by far his best outing of the season, scoring two goals and assisting Painter’s goal, accounting for five total points in BG’s 4-1 playoff win over the UIC Flames. 

Before his breakout performance, Bodurov had only found the net one other time, during BG’s 5-2 win over Detroit Mercy in early October. 

Bodurov’s first goal came with the Falcons leading 1-0, ultimately being the game-winner as the Flames only found the net once in the contest. 

“The mindset’s always to come off the bench and just try to affect the game as best as you can,” Bodurov said. “I was able to get on and make a quick impact…a lot of the credit goes to [Jake] Lane as well because he really did a lot of the hard work.” 

Bodurov’s second goal came about similarly. 

“It was kind of instinctive. The ball just came, and the only way I could really get it was with the back heel, so I just flicked it, and I was fortunate for it to go in.”

Head coach Eric Nichols had nothing but praise for the standout performance. 

“Ryko’s been awesome for us. He’s in there because he’s a worker, and he’s just so strong in possession…he’s a big-time player, [but] with him, it starts with a great work rate.” 

Bodurov and the Falcons will look to continue their push for the Missouri Valley Conference tournament championship when they go to Springfield, Missouri, to take on the number two-seeded Drake Bulldogs, kicking off at 4 p.m.