Tuesday's last minute heroics must have given the women's soccer team a confidence boost. With two goals in the final ten minutes of the game, the Tigers pulled out a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Monmouth, pushing the team's record to a perfect 5-0 on the young season.
The squad will try to keep the momentum going as it travels to Boston this weekend for a pair of games. On Friday, Princeton takes on Boston College, who was ranked 22nd in the country as recently as a week ago. On Sunday, the Tigers meet the two-time defending America East Conference champs from Boston University.
The Eagles (4-3-1 overall, 0-2 Big East) tied No. 13 Penn State two weeks ago, and lost close conference games to No. 12 Connecticut and Miami.
Princeton, despite being ranked 23rd in the latest polls, has yet to play a ranked team. Friday's contest should be a litmus test for the Tigers who could solidify their place among the national elite with a win.
Despite continuing their strong conference play, the Terriers (3-3-1, 1-0 AEC) have had trouble scoring goals early in the season, being shut out in four of seven games.
Princeton counters with one of the best back lines in women's soccer.
In the flat four formation, senior captain Heather Deerin and sophomore Brea Griffiths hold down the middle, while sophomores Rochelle and Janine Willis are quickly establishing themselves as top-tier collegiate marking backs.
The defense that gave up just three shots in its most recent win is also a versatile one. Griffiths, playing up in the midfield during the second half, netted the game-winner against Monmouth. Deerin and both Willis siblings have regularly made dangerous runs and created numerous opportunities so far.
Another bright spot for Princeton has been the consistent and mature play from some of its youngest players. Up top, freshman Maura Gallagher has provided the Tigers with a spark off the bench, scoring a goal to go along with two assists on the season.
Classmate Emily Behncke has been strong for the Tigers as well. Along with netting two goals thus far, she has stepped into the role of center midfielder.
If Princeton can make it through the weekend unscathed, then the team will be almost halfway to its eventual (and, now, seemingly realistic) goal of an undefeated season.
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