The Northeastern Huskies played their first home game of the season last night, against divisional opponent Bryant. The energy was high at Carter field as the Huskies took the pitch. With a light mist of rain, fans lining the fence, and Boston in the backdrop, it was the perfect recipe for a big game for the home team. The Huskies (2-0) dominated much of the game for a 2-0 victory over Bryant (0-3).
Northeastern came out fast from the kick-off. A few long balls from the back found their way in behind the defense and nearly connected with Northeastern’s forwards. Early in the first half, Northeastern captain Dan Ryvkin whipped a corner into the back half of the six-yard-box. Center-forward Jackson Neal connected with a clean header that sailed just to the right of the far post. Moments later, the Huskies would have another opportunity. Ryvkin sent in another corner with height and pace, met by Neal’s inside of the foot volley into the roof of the net. The rest of the half saw back and forth play with Northeastern on the front foot for most of it. Dan Mattar crafted a few clever runs forward, causing headaches for the Bryant left back.
Northeastern came out of half-time ready to put the game away. Within minutes, Ari Kantorowitz found himself with the ball on the left of the 18-yard-box. He slotted a square ball to Jackson Neal in the center, who took a quick turn and finished the ball near post. From there, Northeastern comfortably controlled the flow of the game. The center core of Kantorowitz, Jake Covell, and Jacob Covell moved the ball well and Bryant was unable to put any substantial attack together. The play and movement from holding midfielders Ben Fargiano and Matt Nikiciuk was phenomenal, swinging the ball at will, ensuring that Bryant was left watching. One through ball would find Landon Neal’s feet as the winger cut behind the defense with a great first touch before drilling a volley just over the crossbar.
The Northeastern defensive unit had a standout performance. Isaac Pastel and Ale Memoli squashed anything that Bryant could offer. Memoli spent the whole game putting on a clinic for how to relentlessly pressure Bryant’s forward and break up plays. Northeastern goalkeeper Lucas Espada got his second clean sheet of the season, making plays on aerial attacks and managing the game from the back.
The Huskies give a special shoutout to all fans that were in attendance and make it such a great environment to play in. Northeastern looks to continue its run with a home game this Saturday against Providence College.