Senior tri-captain Ariel Samuelson will never forget her first game against the Keene State Owls.
An own goal by the then-freshman sent the Jumbos home in a devastating fashion three years ago in the regional semi-finals of the NCAA tournament after the team cruised through the regular season and conference playoffs.
Fortunately for the women's soccer team, Samuelson will also never forget her final game against the Owls. Fueled by a remarkable performance from its back four, the squad capped off an undefeated home season, defeating the Owls 2-0 in non-conference action yesterday.
"Today was awesome," Coach Martha Whiting said. "It was the first time for our four seniors that we've gone undefeated at home in the regular season. Before the game, we really stressed how we wanted to win this one for the seniors after they've dedicated so much of themselves to this program."
The win, which took place on Senior Day, pushed the Jumbos to 10-1 overall (5-1 NESCAC), and upped their winning streak to ten straight games.
"The five of them are such a huge part of our team," sophomore Joelle Emery added. "They contribute so much whether it's at practice, or in a game, or cooking us amazing dinners on Friday nights. Lately we've really been focusing on playing for each other and today it was definitely for the seniors."
Tufts came out a little sloppy to start the game, as the Owls were able to keep the ball in the Jumbos' territory for the majority of the early minutes. Tufts quickly snapped out of its funk, however, and really turned the pressure on in the latter part of the half.
The squad created numerous point blank opportunities, namely off the feet of Samuelson, fellow senior tri-captain Lindsay Garmirian and sophomore Martha Furtek, but Keene goalie Sarah Campbell held her ground and kept the Jumbos off the scoreboard.
"This game would have been completely different if we had finished our opportunities," Samuelson said. "Not to say that they weren't good, they were extremely athletic, one of the most athletic teams we've faced, they just weren't as composed and skilled as we were."
With ten minutes left in the half, the Jumbos came out on the short end of a call when no whistle was blown after Samuelson was hammered in the box. The no-call slightly thwarted Tufts' momentum, and the two teams played to a 0-0 tie at halftime.
While Tufts clearly controlled the ball early in the second half, the team was still unable to finish its opportunities early on. Things changed though, when, with 21:03 left in regulation, Samuelson was once again taken down in the box, but this time was awarded a penalty kick.
Classmate Lydia Claudio, for the second game in a row, took the kick, ripping the ball into the top left corner of the goal to put Tufts up 1-0.
The game became significantly more physical after Tufts scored, but again, the back four of junior Jen Fratto and sophomores Annie Benedict, Joelle Emery and Jessie Wagner worked together to neutralize Keene's speed on the flanks and prevent any legitimate shots on net.
"I heard they were fast, but we're fast, too," Whiting said. "And because of that, I don't think we needed to adjust as much as other teams do. They were very athletic, but they didn't control the ball cleanly which gave us opportunities to get it back."
"Having a solid defense has been key to our success so far this season. Our defense has not only shut down other teams' offensive attempts, but also helps create opportunities for us up front," Furtek added. "We're confident in our back players, which allows our offensive players to push up more and if we transition well we can include our defense in the attacking end as well."
Samuelson, who plagued the Keene State defense all afternoon, got several more golden opportunities to put the icing on the cake for Tufts. Most notably was a through ball with 10:10 remaining from Garmirian, as Samuelson tore a shot just over the crossbar.
The Newton, Mass. native was finally able to capitalize on an opportunity in the 83rd minute. Furtek controlled the ball in the Tufts zone and sent a pass to Claudio at midfield. Claudio deftly threaded the ball to Samuelson, who raced past the Keene defense and sent a low liner past Campbell into the goal to put Tufts up 2-0.
"I was really frustrated with myself early on, but I tried not to let it get to me," Samuelson said. "But finally I was able to put one in."
The goal was Samuelson's NESCAC-leading 11th of the season, tying her for the fourth highest single season total in school history.
Junior goalie Annie Ross recorded her fifth shutout of the season with the win, tying her for the conference lead with Colby netminder Liza Benson. Ross also has a paltry .81 GAA this season, and has let up just six goals in conference play all year.
Next up for the Jumbos is what will certainly be the conference matchup of the year, when the Jumbos head west to Williamstown to face the Ephs, with the winner, in all likelihood, hosting the conference tournament in two weeks. Tufts has never won on Williams' home field and looks to change that on Saturday.
