Northeastern took the pitch Sunday afternoon for their second divisional match and second home game of the season, hosting Providence College. Northeastern walked away with a convincing 2-0 victory, moving to 3-0 season, as Providence opens their campaign 0-1.
The first 15 minutes of the game opened to high energy and sometimes chaotic play from both sides. Northeastern’s aggressive midfield put heavy pressure on Providence, forcing turnovers, but the Huskies initially struggled to develop an attack of their own. With pressure building for the Providence defenders, Dan Ryvkin would eventually find a gap and slot the ball to winger Ben Jacobson. Jacobson cut in from the right, skipped away from his defender, and finished with a satisfying flick over the keeper and into the far side of the net. After the opener, Northeastern began to control the flow of the game. Tayeb Benjaafar would make his first appearance for the team, mounting multiple attacks from the left wing. In one of the best plays of the game, Benjaafar slashed past his defender with the ball, cut into the 18-yard-box and was taken down for a clear penalty call. Benjaafar would step up to coolly place the penalty into the back of the net.
In the second half, play began to get physical as Northeastern’s defense frustrated the Providence attack, halting Providence from putting together more than a few passes at a time.
Northeastern controlled the ball well through the midfield and nearly snuck in a few more goals. Nico Lopez crafted attacks from the right side, with cutting dribbles inside, and crosses that nearly materialized into goals. Landon Neal made darting runs behind the defense, nearly finding his first goal of the season. Ben Fargiano put together a standout performance in the second half, dominating Providence with his fitness and pressure. Fargiano nearly finished his own goal as he pressured the Providence defense and keeper, deflecting a clearance into the post. Late in the game, Austin Birmingham was providing phenomenal corner service, which Fargiano met with a clean header and another near-goal, hitting the crossbar this time.
Northeastern’s defense once again kept a clean sheet, with a clinical performance from the center-backs and goalkeepers, including freshman Seb Montoulieu who got his first minutes of the season with a second half start.
Northeastern moves on to its next game away at Babson on Sunday.