The Northeastern women’s soccer team has already tied the single season wins record they set last year with an overall mark of 11-4-2. In addition, with an America East mark of 5-1-1, the Huskies are in first place and have already clinched a spot in the playoffs – with two more wins they can clinch home field advantage.
After losing their first AE game against Boston University on Oct. 17, the Huskies haven’t allowed a goal since on their way to convincing wins against Albany and Stony Brook University.
On Sunday, the Huskies absolutely dominated the Albany Great Danes, beating them 4-0 on senior day. Motivated by sidelined senior Andi Matthews, the Huskies out shot Albany 22-1. Junior forward Jess Pfeifer provided most of the offensive firepower, picking up her first career hatrick.
“Albany’s not having the best year, but when we played them last year somebody had to step up,” said junior midfielder Jackie Spellman. “This year [Pfeifer] came up big.”
NU came out strong from the get go, with Pfeifer picking up her first goal just three minutes into the contest. Her next goal would come 25 minutes later when she belted the ball past the Albany defenders and into the back of the net. Her third and final goal of the game came at the beginning of the second half off of a direct kick.
“It was definitely nice to finally put the ball in the back of the net,” Pfeifer said. “I’ve struggled finishing this season.” Sophomore midfielder Nicole Bottino finished the slaughter in the 87th minute with her first career goal off a cross by junior midfielder Jackie Spellman. Senior keeper Cynthia Slowik didn’t have to make a single save in the shutout.
“We knew Albany would be a little bit easier,” said coach Ed Matz. “It was senior day, and that’s always emotional.”
On Friday night the Huskies had a little bit more of a challenge shutting down the Stony Brook Seawolves at Parsons Field. Junior Keeper Mariel Wilner made six saves, including a few diving blocks, in the 1-0 shutout. Spellman picked up the game winner off a feed from fellow junior Filippa Petruccelli in the start of the second half and Wilner and the Husky D did the rest. The goal was her second of the season. “We knew they were a tough team but we have a goal this year,” Spellman said. “We want to win every game.”
The Huskies hit the road this week to face the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Binghamton University. Despite clinching a playoff berth already, the Huskies are still pumped for this week’s play.
“We’re definitely looking to win both of the games,” Pfeifer said. “It’s in our hands right now, if we win both we’re definitely number one in the conference and we’ll have the tournament at our place.”
With a few players still working themselves back into the lineup the final product has yet to be seen.
“We’re fairly healthy right now, but we are still starting to click,” Matz said. “This team is so focused I never know who’s going to shine. It’s pretty fun right now.”
