BU doubles up on soccer power

Twins push each other to excel

Matt Shea, who played in BU's home opener at Nickerson Field, has a special connection with fellow player Ryan, his twin. (BOSTON UNIVERSITY)

Matthew and Ryan Shea have only been under his watch for one season on the pitch, but Boston University men's soccer coach Neil Roberts acknowledges their special connection.

"They can actually finish each other's sentences," said Roberts of the sophomore twins from Hanover. "Those two really look out for one another."

Following their decorated careers at Hanover High, in which the pair led the Indians to an undefeated season in 2006, the Sheas have settled into life on Commonwealth Avenue.

This season marks the first time the midfielders are playing together at the collegiate level. While Matt started 18 of the Terriers' 20 games last fall as a freshman midfielder, Ryan watched from the sideline in a red-shirt season.

"They have a ways to go both experience and decision-wise," said Roberts.

"But they have a great passion for the game. . . They have really good potential. We are teaching them how to play and working on tactical things. If they continue to work on their game, they can grow over the years."

Over the past decade, the Sheas have teamed up at Hanover High, club soccer teams (South Shore United Blazers and Cape Cod Crusaders) and with the Massachusetts Olympic Development Program squad.

Over the course of their time together, Ryan says that he and his brother have developed a unique rapport on the field.

Matt "can hit the ball from his right side perfectly to my left side. And he can do it without even looking," said Ryan.

In their high school days, the Shea brothers were known for their copious production on the field. In his senior season, Matt recorded nine goals and 28 assists, while Ryan ended his high school career as Hanover's all-time leading scorer with 145 career points. As a freshman, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Matt was named to the America East's All-Rookie team, notching one assist from the midfield. After his red-shirt season, Ryan (5-11, 160) saw his first field action during the spring practice schedule.

"It's so much fun to watch them play, just as much fun as it was when they were in high school,' said their mother, Lisa Shea. 'I'm glad they're close to home and playing in their own backyard."

So far, both brothers have found a drastic difference between high school and collegiate soccer.

"There is much more physical play on the college level," said Ryan.

"The players are so much quicker here. You have to have a soccer mindset when you play here. And you have to pass the ball a lot quicker, too."

Matt echoed his brother's sentiments, noting that the two of them have been able to develop their game since they started college.

"We've changed since the start of our freshman year," said Matt.

"You don't really begin to know soccer until you play soccer on the collegiate level. . . . So far it's been a lot of fun. The team camaraderie is great here and it's been great being around everyone."

Off the field, their close relationship has made the transition earsier. They do not live in the same dorm room, citing the fact that they've already been roommates for 18 years. They train together during the offseason.

Their father, Chris Shea, said "Like most twins, they are very close. They are real good friends. There's a real love there that you can't describe and just have to see."

"We work to help push one another," said Ryan, noting that he and his brother do not have a sibling rivalry "except when it comes to video games."

Throughout high school, the twins also received recognition for their stellar performances in the classroom. Currently, Matt is majoring in mathematics and education with the hopes of one day teaching high school and coaching soccer. Ryan, on the other hand, has aspirations of becoming a physical therapist.

According to both brothers, the highlight of their young careers was BU's appearance in the NCAA tournament last November following a 9-7-4 season . Though the Terriers fell to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 2-1, in the Division 1 tournament, the experience was unforgettable.

"We were playing in front of a crowd of about 6,000 people," said Matt of BU's game against the Minutemen.

The Shea brothers were recruited by a number of Division I colleges out of high school. But in the end, the twins say, BU was the only option.

"It's in a great area and it's a hard school. We couldn't have imagined going anywhere else," said Matt.