Northeastern kept their regional hopes alive with a game for the ages Sunday afternoon against divisional rival Boston College.

From the start, the energy was high as Northeastern fans lined the fence at Carter field. The early game was physical, as both sides struggled to find control through the middle. Northeastern center-midfielders worked to break up the Boston College attack, and the BC defensive line continued to intercept the Northeastern attacking play. BC began to control the game. Catching Northeastern out of position, a ball from the right side found the BC left winger alone in the 18-yard-box. He took a touch inside and a clean shot, but a great save from keeper Lucas Espada would prevent the initial goal. Unfortunately the ball would not be cleared and bounced off a Northeastern defender for an own goal.

After having little to show from the first half, Northeastern was ready to make adjustments at halftime. Northeastern came out with high energy, playing direct and generating a few chances of their own. Ari Kantorowitz constructed attacks up the wing with pace, nearly finding crosses into the middle on multiple occasions. Despite the high energy, BC would strike again, with a respectable shot from the left side of the 18-yard-box curled into the upper right corner. Northeastern would continue to play at a high pace and generate chances. A free-kick swung in by Dan Ryvkin would nearly connect with center-forward Jackson Neal’s outstretched leg. Northeastern would also almost connect at the back post on a corner swung in from the left side by Austin Birmingham. Another through ball brilliantly floated in behind by Ryvkin would see Neal strike a volley just to the left of the net.

With momentum growing and time running out, coach Aiman Ginawi made critical adjustments with only 20 minutes left. Northeastern began to throw numbers forward. Relentless pressure from Ben Fargiano in the middle ensured that Northeastern saw a lot of the ball. There was a shift in momentum as the Huskies began winning 50/50’s and beating BC to headers for the first time all game. Northeastern would have a free kick opportunity after Neal was brought down from behind on the top-right of the BC 18-yard-box. As he does time and time again, captain Dan Ryvkin guided the free-kick into the side netting, giving the Huskies the spark they needed. Northeastern could feel the momentum building. Only moments later, Ari Kantorowitz pushed another dribbling attack up the left side, this time releasing a curling ball into the back post. Ty Benjaafar was there to connect with a clean header, off the post and in, to pull the game back to 2-2. Entering the twilight of regular time, Northeastern continued to bring energy, putting the BC back-line under pressure with crosses and corners. The entire Northeastern team played desperate to find the much needed game winner. Northeastern center-back Henry Mouawad continually dispossessed the BC forwards, and pushed his own attack, dribbling into the BC final third and nearly getting a clean shot of his own.

With minutes remaining, Northeastern would win a free kick from left-center field. Ryvkin would swing in a great service that Northeastern has connected on so many times this year. Neal would be tripped from behind as he tried to reach the back post, drawing a penalty. Maestro Dan Ryvkin would step up for the kick. An initial attempt would be saved by the BC keeper before being called back due to BC’s early entry in the box. Ryvkin wouldn’t miss again, placing the ball in the back of the net and completing the comeback for Northeastern. The Huskies would squash any chances BC generated in the final minutes. Energy and positioning from Ben Fargiano and Matthew Nikiciuk broke up play from the BC midfield. Ale Memoli came in, putting great pressure on the BC back-line and winning the ball to draw out the clock. Northeastern fans and players greeted the final whistle with tremendous cheers.

Northeastern continues divisional play this Wednesday at home against BU.