By Brian Fields, news staff
One week after the Northeastern University (NU) women’s soccer team’s road win at James Madison University, the Huskies took to the road again Sunday for another tough conference battle, ending in a draw against first-year striker Meredith Christopher and the high-octane Elon University Phoenix.
Prior to Sunday’s match, Christopher led the CAA in assists and was tied with Hofstra’s Kristin Desmond for the conference lead in points. Sunday’s shootout gave her the platform to build a lead in each of those categories. Christopher and the high-powered Phoenix got off to a hot start.
In the first minute of the match, Christopher found the back of the net, and just like that, the Phoenix were off and running. The CAA’s highest-scoring offense in terms of goals per game scored once again in the 17th minute, as third-year midfielder Lauren McKeever took a ball from third-year forward Tori Baliatico into the mesh, giving Elon the 2-0 lead early in the first half.
“They play their style very well,” NU head coach Ashley Phillips said. “I think Christopher’s a big part of that. She’s very good at seizing opportunities, and I made sure to mention that in the scouting report. Perhaps we didn’t prepare well enough, because she still managed to catch us off guard.”
Despite the early deficit, the Huskies proved that they were not demoralized. They quickly matched McKeever’s goal with one of their own as first-year defender Julianne Ross headed a cross from fellow first-year defender Mikenna McManus into the top left corner of the net.
The Phoenix would not take that response lying down, rising up and netting yet another goal in the 21st minute as first-year middie Reena Wichmann’s shot ricocheted off the right post into the net. The goal also gave Christopher her league-leading eighth assist on the season.
The Huskies were determined not to go into the half down by two goals. Proving their depth, the Huskies orchestrated a beautiful play using substitutes Taylor Caparo, a redshirt fifth-year forward, and Carly Wilhelm, a fourth-year forward. Wilhelm used her head to take a cross from Caparo into the top left corner of the net.
Following a much-needed break after a hectic first half, the Huskies sought an equalizer, eager for at least a point in a tough road match. Fourth-year forward Kayla Cappuzzo provided exactly what they needed, dribbling through the Phoenix’s back line and placing an unassisted shot into the left side of the goal in the 56th minute.
Both sides had multiple chances to break the 3-3 tie, but neither was able to capitalize, forcing 20 minutes of overtime. Unfortunately, after 110 minutes neither could pull through, resulting in each gaining a point. The Huskies now have 11 points after five conference matches, second only to Hofstra.
“We definitely got caught flat-footed early on,” Phillips admitted after the match. “They went up 3-1 before the end of the half. I think the one positive takeaway that came out of this match was the response, despite how long it took. Being able to battle back and coming out of this match with a point on the road, it definitely shows that we’re capable of overcoming adversity.”
The Huskies return home Thursday for a highly anticipated match against conference leader Hofstra, who are 7-0-1 in their last eight matches.
Phillips discussed the difficulties of preparing for yet another offensive powerhouse.
“We definitely expect a similar style out of them,” the second-year head coach said. “They have [Desmond] up top, who’s been on a scoring rampage as of late. We’re going to focus on that, as well as cleaning up in the back. We can’t let any balls in the air get over our back line again. There’s only four games left, and they’re at the top of the league right now.”
The Huskies hope to bring home the win despite the matchup with a unique Hofstra squad.
“It’ll certainly be a test of our ability to adapt to a team with a very different style than us,” Phillips said.