The Boston University women’s soccer team was unable to overcome a two-goal deficit and was defeated by city rival Northeastern University, 2-0, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday at Nickerson Field – ending the Terriers’ season.
The Terriers (14-5-3, 6-1-2 Patriot League), fresh off of winning the Patriot League Championship over Colgate University on Nov. 9, failed to generate enough offense in the game, as the Huskies (15-4-3) notched their 15th shutout of the year, thanks to goalkeeper Paige Burnett’s six saves. However, BU coach Nancy Feldman said her team did everything right in the game.
“I thought we played pretty well,” Feldman said. “We did the things we talked about wanting to do, like how we were defending them and how we were trying to find our attack. I really felt like we were doing some good things, but their opening goal and the injury to [senior defender] Ariana Aston kind of shook us.
“We knew that going into halftime, we would need to regroup, and I thought we came out of the half pretty well. We had to go into a more attacking shape, so they got the second goal. They played well. I was not displeased with our performance.”
Feldman’s players agreed with Feldman in that Saturday’s tilt was a hard-fought game in which the ball just did not bounce the Terriers’ way.
“I was really proud of how we fought until the end,” said senior midfielder Jamie Turchi. “We were really pushing to get the first goal. We had numbers pushed forward, and then they got the second one. But I’m really proud of the team.”
The Terriers started off the game on a slow note, struggling to get possession of the ball and any kind of momentum. The only real threatening shot from BU came in the 17th minute, when Turchi headed a ball in the box that was impressively corralled by Northeastern’s Burnett.
Not too long after, in the 29th minute, Northeastern was able to get on the board. Freshman Carly Wilhelm dribbled the ball into the box and collided with BU senior goalkeeper Alyssa Parisi. The ball managed to squeak behind Parisi, and in an attempt to stop it, the Terrier’s senior forward Taylor Krebs deflected the ball into the net for an own goal.
After the own goal, the Terriers had to go on the offensive, but had little success in threatening to score on Burnett, despite taking seven shots in the second half.
“I do think we created a lot of opportunities, especially in the second half,” Feldman said. “I just thought a couple of the bounces didn’t go our way. Burnett was good, but I think we created good chances and just needed a few more.”
The Huskies pulled away for good in the 77th minute, when freshman Kayla Cappuzzo brought the ball down the right side of the box and made a pass to fellow forward Taylor Caparo, who easily put the ball past an out-of-position Parisi.
A major factor of the game was the midfield play, as the Terriers had several promising attacks squashed by Northeastern’s midfielders.
“Every game is very dependent on who is dominant in 50/50 balls, and it went back and forth in this game,” Turchi said. “They were the stronger team in the end. It was a tough battle, but I thought we did well trying to keep it in their end.”
Despite the disappointing final score, Feldman said she was impressed by her team’s mindset and attitude — in this game and throughout the season.
“I came to find out this team is pretty resistant and tough-minded,” Feldman said. “We’ve battled in some poor conditions this year, but the mentality and toughness was still good. Sometimes, that was when I felt that we were at our best. I think that it’s been a pleasure to coach them because of that quality.
“Different girls had to rise to the occasion earlier in the season, like [freshman defender] Alivya Wimmer having to start at center back, and [sophomore forward] Erica Kosienski getting hurt during the season, and [freshman forward] Christina Wakefield filling a bigger role and even the players that were starting the games had to pick up the slack. They were a really tough-minded bunch.”
Nick is currently writing for the Boston Hockey Blog. In the past, he has served as associate sports editor, and has covered men's and women's cross-country, women's soccer, men's basketball, and men's lacrosse for the Daily Free Press. You can keep track of Nick's exciting life by following him on Twitter at @nikfraz14
