By Jason Kornwitz
BROOKLINE – Snow fell, steadily coating Parsons Field Saturday, and chilly temperatures punctured the typically comfortable October air.
But weather conditions took a back seat to Senior Day and the final game of the season for the Northeastern women’s soccer team.
Five players took the field for the final time as Huskies, but a 3-0 shutout loss to Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) foe James Madison (11-7-1, 6-4-0) put a damper on the pre-game festivities. Before the match, co-captains Tara McLarney and Jessica Pfeifer, Filippa Petruccelli, Jaclyn Spellman and Mariel Wilner were recognized for their achievements on the field.
Over the past four seasons, NU accumulated 38 wins and advanced to the America East Tournament three times before they switched to the CAA this year.
“These seniors helped the program make the transition into one of the stronger teams in the America East,” coach Ed Matz said. “We left the America East as one of the more successful programs and now we need to make that next step.”
The departing players believe their successors have the ability to succeed in a conference stacked with talent.
“I felt fortunate to be able to play in the [CAA] this year,” goalkeeper Wilner said. “The competition is great. I think it was a transition year but the team has talent and if everyone commits to the same goal, the team can have success in the future.”
As for the game, NU (6-12-1, 3-8-0) struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Just five minutes in, JMU goalie Jessica Hussey overplayed a ball rolling toward the net, but forward Kristin Kowalik and defenseman Amanda Sesto took too much time scrambling around to bury the loose ball.
That play was largely representative of the match.
“I think [Jessica Hussey’s] decision-making was pretty poor,” McLarney said. “She played really far out and she played off her line and that’s something we should have been able to capitalize on, but we didn’t.”
Two minutes later, Sesto went down near midfield. She was helped off the field by a trainer and teammates.
“It’s better that it happened [Saturday] than a few games ago. She has a whole year to get back on the field,” Wilner said. “I think everyone gave it their all and it’s a disappointing way to end the season.”
After a Husky scoring opportunity, James Madison came right back on the attack. During the 15th minute, Kim Argy blasted a shot high and to Wilner’s left. Kowalik had chances all day, and during the 38th minute, used her speed to break through defenders, but her shot angled just wide of the net. Fewer than three minutes into the second half, Argy again made it look effortless as she smoothly headed in a right-corner cross from teammate Emily Baskin.
And with only six minutes left, she completed the hat trick and scored her team-leading ninth goal of the season off a cross from Kimmy Germain.
Two days earlier, NU faced off against conference-leading Virginia Commonwealth (11-3-4, 9-0-1) at Parsons Field. At the time, the Huskies still had a slim shot at reaching postseason play, but another 3-0 shutout loss eliminated any hopes of a second season.
As the season drew to a close, Matz reflected on the substandard results.
“It’s a bit of a disappointment,” he said. “Coming into preseason not in good shape is something we can’t afford to do. We can’t underestimate the talent of this new conference.”
