They’ve pushed their winning streak to 11 games, but this last game might be the sweetest of them all.
As they honored their seniors Catherine Hartigan, Stephanie Paloscio and Emily Sura, the Tigers also earned themselves a guaranteed extension to their season. With the 2-0 victory over Cornell, the women’s soccer team (13-3 overall, 6-0 Ivy League) clinched the Ivy League title this season and with it its first NCAA Tournament bid since 2012. The Tigers will find out the identity of their first round opponents onMonday, Nov. 9at 4:30 p.m.
As has been the case all season with this team, the most impressive part of its victory was the refusal to give Cornell offensive opportunities. The Tigers allowed the Big Red (9-3-4, 2-3-1) only 5 shots on the game, compared to 21 that Cornell allowed Princeton. This limiting of opponents’ offensive opportunities has been perhaps the key factor in the Tigers’ winning streak. During their 11-game stretch of success, they have allowed an average of .73 goals per contest.
On offense, the Tigers’ two goals on the day came from junior forward Tyler Lussi and junior midfielder Jesse McDonough. Lussi put the Tigers on the board at just the 8thminute of the game, as she made a run up the field and took a long pass from sophomore midfielder Vanessa Gregoire. Seeing Cornell goalie Kelsey Tierney start to stray away, Lussi launched the ball over Tierney’s head into the left side of the goal. The Cornell goalie couldn’t get back into position in time as the Big Red fell behind 1-0.
Moreover, Lussi would prove instrumental in the second goal as well. Spinning past one defender deep in Cornell territory, Lussi lofted the ball into the middle to give McDonough the opportunity for the header. As Tierney closed in to the left side of the goal, McDonough sent the ball sailing right, past Tierney’s outstretched arm and into the back of the net.
The victory carries not only great significance for the team as a whole, but also personal significance for head coach Sean Driscoll. He becomes the first Princeton coach to lead his team into the NCAA Tournament during his first season on the job.
While the Tigers certainly have reason to celebrate, one game remains in the regular season — a battle with the Penn Quakers,next Saturdayin Philadelphia at5 p.m.
Read More
Sophomore star Pietra Tordin shines on the international stage
Lily PampolinaNot many individuals can say that they’ve scored goals for two of the world’s most prestigious soccer programs. In February, just 19 years old, Pietra Tordin accomplished that feat. The Daily Princetonian sat down with Pietra to discuss her time at Princeton and her future as a national team soccer player.
Not many individuals can say that they’ve scored goals for two of the world’s most prestigious soccer programs. In February, just 19 years old, Pietra Tordin accomplished that feat. The Daily Princetonian sat down with Pietra to discuss her time at Princeton and her future as a national team soccer player.
Women’s soccer loses in penalty shootout against Texas Tech
Joseph UglialoroDespite outshooting Texas Tech 16–4, the Tigers came up just short to one of the best teams in the nation.
Despite outshooting Texas Tech 16–4, the Tigers came up just short to one of the best teams in the nation.
Resurgent women’s soccer kickstarts NCAA tournament run with dramatic 1-0 win over Michigan
Joseph UglialoroThough Princeton will enter as heavy underdogs, their performance against Michigan will give them undeniable momentum as they fly to Lubbock and prepare for the upcoming game next Friday against the Texas Tech Raiders.
Though Princeton will enter as heavy underdogs, their performance against Michigan will give them undeniable momentum as they fly to Lubbock and prepare for the upcoming game next Friday against the Texas Tech Raiders.
