Box Score |
Season StatsDEDHAM, Mass. -- Veteran leadership was on display as the No. 18 Northeastern Huskies defeated the James Madison Dukes, 1-0, guaranteeing their spot in the Colonial Athletic Association's postseason tournament.
This is the fifth straight season the Huskies will play in the tournament. Northeastern has now won seven times at Dedham Field this season, tying the most victories at home for NU since the 2011 campaign.
Cheryl Murtagh's squads have also won at least 13 games in three of the last four seasons.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Becky Garner now has five shutouts in 2014, a new career-high. Garner was terrific throughout the second half, keeping the James Madison offense out of sync with diving saves and smart goalie play.
The lone goal for NU came off the stick of captain
Caroline Judge. As the clock was winding down in the first half, the Huskies started an offensive rush and began driving towards the goal. The clock hit zero, but the Red and Black were awarded a penalty corner. On the ensuing corner Judge was able to rip one on net that found its way past the Dukes' goalkeeper, Hannah George.
It was the forward's fourth goal of the season and was assisted by
Natalie Stewart and
Emma Lamison. Four goals are the second most in a single season for the captain since arriving on Huntington Avenue.
Judge, however, wasn't the only upperclassmen to put a stamp on the game. On the defensive end,
Kaci Coveleski continued to display her toughness and grittiness guiding the Huskies backs time and time again. Her awareness for opposing attackers played a key role in helping Garner secure the shutout.
With 3:20 left in the game, James Madison head coach Christy Morgan pulled her goalie in favor of the extra attacker. As a unit, the Huskies responded by intercepting passes and keeping the offense away from their sophomore goalkeeper.
The second half started off with NU on the defensive end. James Madison gave its best shot early, but behind the leadership of Coveleski and Garner the team weathered the storm and kept the game scoreless. The senior defender would go on to record a defensive save at a pivotal moment in the game to keep the Huskies ahead, 1-0.
NU earned the victory despite being outshot 9-8 in the match. Judge had a team-high three shots, while
Kate Carlson,
Natalie Stewart, Lamison and
Kelly Dunn all were able to get a shot of their own off.
The first half started off slow for both attacking units. In the game's first 15 minutes the two teams were only able to register one shot apiece. Both shots, however, were terrific scoring chances.
The Dukes' Loes Stijntjes was able to slide one past Garner that deflected off the post. The Huskies had a chance of their own minutes later when
Emmy Zweserijn forced a turnover in front of the goal. The forward then found a cutting Stewart, who ripped a shot on net but the George turned it away to keep the game scoreless.
Murtagh's team had another terrific scoring chance just minutes later. Lamison was able to drive the baseline and center a pass, but a defensive save by Saskia Chellmowski kept the game scoreless.
NU returns to Dedham Field on Sunday to take on CAA rival William & Mary in the regular-season finale. The game is set to begin at 1 p.m. Prior to the start of the game, five members of the senior class – Judge,
Kelly Dunn, Coveleski,
Marisa Dunn and
Cara Ahlgrim – will be recognized for their careers on Huntington Ave.
Game Notes• NU is now 8-10 all-time against the Dukes. • This is the fifth straight season the Huskies have qualified for the CAA postseason tournament. • Becky Garner now has five shutouts on the season, a single-season career-best. STUDENTS: Buses will be available for fans looking to attend the game. They will depart from Chicken Lou's at 11:45 and 12:15 and will bring you back to campus following the end of the game. For complete coverage of Northeastern and Northeastern field hockey, follow us on Facebook (Northeastern Athletics & Northeastern Field Hockey)and Twitter (@GoNUathletics & @GoNUfhockey). Check out exclusive videos onGoNUxstream and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram (GoNUathletics). .
