Looking to get back on track after dropping points on the road against Babson last weekend, the Huskies put together a convincing performance against Tufts B Thursday night. Northeastern remains undefeated with a 4-0-1 record as Tufts B falls to 3-2-1.
The Huskies opened the game with hot start, which has been a hallmark of their play this season. In the 5th minute, Austin Birmingham swung a corner in from the left side, reaching the back post with height and pace, awaiting a tap-in header from center-forward Jackson Neal. After opening scoring, the Huskies kept their foot on the gas. Only moments later, left winger Ty Benjaafar made a slashing dribble into the center. He was brought down around 25 yards out, giving Northeastern a free kick opportunity from the center of the pitch. Maestro Dan Ryvkin stepped up for the direct shot, snapping the ball around the left side of the wall and into the bottom corner of the net, leaving the keeper with no chance to see the flight path. Northeastern continued to put the pressure on Tufts’ defense with combinations through the midfield and into the final third. One sequence saw Ryvkin finding the feet of Neal, turning into the box, and laying back off to Ryvkin for a shot just left of the goal. Late in the half, Tufts squeaked in a through ball that split the Northeastern defense as the Tufts forward found a straight run up the field and finished with a flick over Northeastern keeper Kevin Daliri, pulling the score back to 2-1.
Northeastern looked to regain momentum at the start of the second half. The Huskies’ defense was relentless, ensuring that Tufts had no other sight of goal throughout the half. Northeastern continued with superior wing play as both sides were getting involved. Dan Mattar and Landon Neal provided service and deep runs from the right side. Dan Mattar would swing in a wonderfully arching free kick from the right side; Jackson Neal was obstructed on his run into the box as Tufts got caught jersey pulling and Neal drew the penalty. Once again, Ryvkin stepped up with ice in his veins to slot the penalty home. Benjaafar continued to find success down the left wing, combining with Neal, and nearly finishing on two occasions. Late in the half, Benjaafar was able to find Ari Kantorowitz up the left flank, who moved the ball into Neal, who then sent a slicing ball between the defense and into Benjaafar’s path. Benjaafar’s finishing effort would be just over the bar.
Northeastern looks to continue their moment with a non-divisional home game on Saturday against Hult.