By Matt Anastasi & Tim Foley
The women’s soccer team emerged with its first overtime win of the season against Towson University Oct. 18 as sophomore midfielder Shayna Blackwood notched her third goal of the season in the seventh minute of extra time. The game marked Northeastern’s sixth overtime game of the year.
The third game of a road trip, Thursday’s match against Towson offered a chance for the Huskies to rebound after their 2-0 loss to conference rival University of Delaware. In contrast to their mere two shots against the Blue Hens, the Husky offense reeled off an early shot in the first minute of play against Towson and quickly converted their efforts into a goal in the fifth minute. The goal was freshman midfielder Nicole Wilkins’ first of the season. The Natick native found the back of the net from 25 yards away.
“Physically, we were tired,” coach Tracey Leone said. “but getting an early goal from Nicole Wilkins really helped us. We were able to get off another good shot to get the 2-0 lead, and even when Towson got back into the game, we weathered the storm, and got off to a good start offensively and in overtime.”
Northeastern continued its offensive onslaught in the 18th minute as senior forward Hanna Terry added her third goal of the season. The senior made a dribble move down the right side of the field, and unleashed an unassisted score.
The Huskies maintained their two goal advantage until Towson cut the lead in half as Natalia Pinkney scored her second goal of the year in the 26th minute of action.
Northeastern overcame its offensive woes experienced in the Delaware game a week prior as they outshot Towson by a six to two margin in the first half.
The Husky defense held on to its one goal lead, withstanding eight shots from the Towson attack. That streak ended in the 83rd minute when Taylor Knier scored off a Towson free kick. The late equalizer sent the Northeastern team into yet another overtime battle.
Despite being outshot 10 to four in the second half, the Huskies were able to regroup quickly. In the seventh minute of overtime, sophomore midfielder Morgan Hilby found Blackwood for her third goal in the season. The crucial goal propelled the team to its first overtime victory of the year.
“Shayna has played an integral part for our team in a variety of ways,” Leone said. “She’s been a great finisher this year, as well as a great creator. She’s stepped up big for us a number of times this season in big spots.”
Along with the team’s first overtime win of the season, the Huskies also clinched a berth in the CAA playoffs with the victory. The playoff berth is Northeastern’s fourth in the last five seasons.
“Obviously it was a great feeling,” Leone said. “It came at a very important time for our team, because we were able to solidify our spot in the postseason. I’m very proud because they found a way to win.”
The overtime thriller capped off a three game road trip for the Huskies, in which they emerged victorious twice.
“This part of the season has been a really tough stretch,” Leone said. “It’s a really quick turnaround from Delaware to Towson. It was good to get off to a good start against Towson going up 2-0, and it was really good to see us get a quick goal in overtime, and get another win.”
The Huskies (5-7-3, 5-1-0 CAA) will return home to Parsons Field Friday to face the Dukes of James Madison University, who are currently riding a five-game winning streak.
“It’s going to be a heck of a game,” Leone said, “James Madison is a great team because they have so many weapons. We expect to have a great battle with them, and I expect both teams to come out highly motivated and ready to play.”
